Do Heat Pumps Make Sense in Maine?

Heat pumps fall into the “new” technology category in Maine, but the technology originated more than 150 years. They have been providing ultra-efficient heating and cooling in the US for more than 60 years.  

According to Efficiency Maine, tens of thousands of heat pumps have been installed in homes and businesses across Maine. They are the most popular heating system choice across all of Efficiency Maine’s rebates. While a secondary heating source is recommended, heat pumps operate well down to -22°F outdoor temperature. This makes them realistic as a primary heating source even in Maine.

Save up to 50% on energy costs with a heat pump.

Yes, you read that right – heat pumps can save you up to 50% in energy costs of heating and cooling. On average, people save 30% on their energy costs. Heat pumps are a great choice because they offer highly efficient heating, air conditioning, and dehumidification all in one unit.

How do Heat Pumps Work?

The real difference about heat pumps, and what makes them such an efficient option, is that heat pumps do not generate heat – they move heat from one place to another. Other forms of heating and cooling systems make heat or cooling through combustion and the use of fuels such as oil or gas. A heat pump absorbs heat energy from outside air (even when it’s cold out) and transfers it to the indoor air. When in cooling mode, a heat pump absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it out through the exterior unit. The only energy that heat pumps use is electricity, and they do so with optimal efficiency. Learn more.

Here’s how a heat pump works:

• An indoor unit called an air handler is installed on a wall, ceiling or floor area, and a unit similar to a central air conditioner, call a heat pump, is mounted outside the building.
• Like a refrigerator, a compressor moves refrigerant inside and outside between these two units, absorbing or releasing heat.
• When it’s cold outside, a heat pump extracts outside heat and moves it indoors.
• When it’s hot outside, the process is reversed and the heat pump performs like an air conditioner, moving heat from indoors outside.

Is a Heat Pump a Good Idea for You?

Overall, heat pump pumps are a better, low-carbon alternative to heating buildings in the foreseeable future. Even in colder climates and states such as Maine. A properly designed and installed heat pump system can certainly be worth the cost because they consistently achieve more than 300 per cent efficiency.

A heat pump is an excellent idea for your home or business if you:

• Want to save money on heating costs.
• Want to save money on cooling costs.
• Desire to have a greener alternative for your heating/cooling.
• Would like to have an efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling equipment.
• Have an older HVAC system (heating or cooling) and are looking to upgrade.

At 207 Plumbing & Heating, we install, service and maintain heat pumps and offer help with Efficiency Maine rebates on new heat pump installations. Please contact us so we can speak with you about how an efficient heat pump can help keep your home or office warm in winter and cool in summer.