Temperatures are dropping in the Granite State, which means that heating your home or business is probably top of mind. With many factors to consider—such as cost, sustainability and effectiveness—you may be feeling overwhelmed. If you’re looking for the most energy-efficient option to heat (and cool!) your home or business, consider a heat pump.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a high-efficiency heating and cooling system that uses electricity to transfer heat from one place to another. In the colder months, it pulls warm air from outside and moves it indoors to heat your home or business. In the summer, it acts as an air conditioner and expels warm air from inside your house to the outdoors.
Heat pumps typically consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units by a line set, which carries heat between the two. Many of today’s cold-climate heat pumps provide efficient heating even at outdoor temperatures as low as -15 °F.
Why Make the Switch?
Heat pumps can help increase your comfort year-round. They serve as a one-stop shop for heating, cooling, dehumidification and air filtration. Best of all, according to the Department of Energy, a heat pump can reduce heating electricity use by around 50% compared to electric resistance heating.
Get the Most Out of Your Heat Pump
When properly maintained, a heat pump can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. To make the most of your heat pump, make sure you’re installing it in an energy-efficient space. This means weatherstripping doors and windows; sealing up ducts in attics and crawl spaces; and properly insulating the walls throughout your home or business.
How to Get Started
Your NHSaves® utility partners Eversource, Liberty, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative and Unitil offer rebates on heat pumps for both residents and businesses. The process for getting started is simple:
- Review the resources available at NHSaves.com
- Contact a licensed HVAC contractor to receive a quote/proposal
- [Optional] Consider financing and secure a loan
- Complete your heat pump installation
- Request your rebate through our online rebate portal
Heat Pump Technology for Your Water Heating Needs
Just like an electric heat pump, a heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating its own heat like a traditional electric water heater. Because of this, these models can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters, according to the Department of Energy.