Heat Pump Heating and Cooling (HVAC)

graphic of electric furnace

Impact: High

Gas furnaces are usually the largest users of natural gas in homes. 

What:

Heat pump heating and cooling combines the gas furnace and air conditioning into one system. The heat pump system is similar to an air conditioning unit but it is two way in that it can also extract heat from the air for space heating. Adding an A/C system, upgrading your current A/C system, or replacing your gas furnace are great opportunities to consider a heat pump system that uses electricity to efficiently heat and cool your home. There are several options depending on the existing systems in your home. 

Benefits: 

  • Added air conditioning
    If you didn't already have an air conditioning system, switching to a heat pump system for heating will also add in an air conditioning.
  • Improved indoor air quality
    Gas furnaces burn natural gas, emitting carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide during the combustion process. Replacing gas furnaces improves air quality in your home and reduces safety risk.
  • Energy Efficiency
    Like other heat pump technologies, the system transfers warm/cool air into your home instead of generating it from natural gas combustion, allowing it to be more energy efficient compared to gas furnace.

There are many heat pump systems for heating and cooling. It depends on if you already have ducts from your existing system and if you want to control different temperatures for each zone. You will want to speak to an HVAC specialist to explore options that are most suitable for your home and needs. 

Ducted Central Heat Pump System

  • If your home already has ducts for an existing heating and/or AC system, then this system may allow you to make use of your existing ducts.
  • This system creates one zone in your entire home. 
  • Make sure your duct system is weatherized so air does not loose/gain temperature as it moves through the ducts. It will also make your home more energy efficient. 

 

 

Ductless mini-Split Heat Pump System

  • Ductless mini-split system do not need ducts but require refrigerant lines passing through the walls. It is made up of one unit outdoors (the size of a suitcase) and multiple indoor units for each zone.
  • There are multiple options for indoor units including high wall mount, low-wall (floor) mount, and recessed ceiling cassette. 
  • Consider this option is you currently use a baseboard, floor or wall heater or if you have window air-conditioning.   

     

 

 

 

 

Explore Electrification

Back to top