Federal incentives for home energy improvements are set to expire at the end of the year, making it a crucial time for those considering a heat pump. With the right decision, homeowners can significantly reduce their energy bills and emissions. For example, Bill Gerosa spent $13,000 on a ground-source heat pump and recovered the cost in seven years, with his energy use plummeting by two-thirds. Heat pumps work by using electricity to transfer heat from one place to another, making them more efficient than conventional heating technologies.
There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. Ground-source pumps are more efficient and cost-effective in the long run, but require underground piping and are more expensive to install. Despite higher upfront costs, heat pumps are cleaner and can reduce emissions, even when powered by coal-generated electricity. With the increasing availability of heat pump installers, now is a good time to consider making the switch. However, technician availability can be a challenge, especially for ground-source heat pumps. As the technology becomes more common, it’s expected to become easier to find qualified installers.