Cooling Solutions, Heat Pump, Heating Solutions Updated: July 29, 2022 Efficient heating and cooling, all in one
Get to know heat pumps, the all-in-one heating and cooling solution that’s a great fit for almost any climate, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Heat pumps not only deliver energy-efficient heating in the winter, they also provide air conditioning to keep you cool when summer temperatures rise.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a heating and cooling system that operates in a more efficient and cost-saving way than electric furnaces, baseboards and wall heaters. The system uses electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it, which reduces the carbon footprint and delivers year-round comfort and energy savings. The process moves heat inside to warm your home in the winter and removes heat while providing air conditioning in the summer.
Heat pumps come in various shapes and sizes, but commonly include the following components: 1) An outdoor unit, typically cube shaped and mounted on a pad. 2) An indoor box with a fan to blow heated/cooled air through the home. 3) A pair of pipes/tubes to connect the outdoor and indoor units.
How does it work?
During the winter, heat pumps can absorb heat energy from the outdoor air, even in freezing temperatures, and transfer that heat inside your home. This process can reduce the amount of electricity used for heating by up to 50% compared to electric resistance systems such as electric furnaces and baseboard heaters.
When cooling, heat pumps work much like other cooling systems. They pull hot air from inside your home and pass it through refrigerant coils, which cool the air before blowing it back into your home.
Whether heating or cooling, heat pumps rely on refrigeration, a technology that has been around since the 19th century and is used in other common household appliances including refrigerators and freezers.
The heat pump circulates refrigerant between an indoor coil and an outdoor coil through a sealed loop of pipes. It adjusts the pressure and state of the refrigerant, which can either create an extremely cold fluid that is able to absorb heat or an extremely hot gas that is ready to release heat. As the refrigerant moves through the interior-side of the heat pump, it either removes heat from the air (if cooling is needed) or it releases heat to the air (if heating is needed). A heat pump is capable of switching between heating and cooling by reversing the direction of the refrigerant.
What types are available?
Ducted heat pump
- All-in-one solution for homes with ductwork (air ducts used to transport air from HVAC equipment throughout a home)
- Saves energy by moving heat in or out based on the season
- Reduces heating costs by up to 50%
- Most commonly used heat pump system
Ductless mini-split heat pump
- Ideal for smaller spaces and open floor plans
- Includes two main components – an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and an indoor air-handling unit
- Delivers warm or cool air directly to the targeted area without ductwork (no wasted energy or heat loss through leaky ducts)
- Compact, quiet and efficient
- Flexible heating and cooling capable of serving multiple zones of a home
Geothermal heat pump
- Transfers heat through pipes buried underground
- Takes advantage of stable temperatures below the surface regardless of outdoor air temperatures
- More expensive, but delivers greater energy savings
- Safe, clean eco-friendly operation
Ducted mini split
- Hybrid version of ductless mini-split heat pump
- Distributes heat through combination of ductless indoor heads and short duct runs supplying conditioned air to rooms through vents
- Ideal option for homes without existing ductwork and multiple smaller zones
Extended capacity heat pump
- Similar to standard ducted heat pump while achieving a higher level of heating output at lower temperatures
- Increased performance capability prevents or reduces the use of expensive backup strip heat or electric furnace in freezing temperatures
For more information on the different heat pump types and additional options, check out our article on choosing the right home heating solution.
Should I consider a heat pump system?
Heat pumps are a great option for Oregon homes heated with electricity, with or without existing ductwork. They offer outstanding heating and cooling efficiency, low energy costs, safe operation and ease of installation. If you’re looking to replace your current heating system or want to add air conditioning, ask your contractor about possible heat pump solutions.
Heat pump savings
Find incentives for ducted and ductless heat pumps.
More Resources
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Choosing the right home heating solution
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How to make the most of your ductless heat pump
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Benefits of going ductless
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FAQs
Some Heat Pumps Are Inefficient at Lower Temperatures.
If you live in a cold weather climate, purchase a system designed to perform in your region. In extremely cold temperatures, heat pumps might need to work harder to produce warm air, but modern systems have been engineered to handle such conditions effectively.
Is a heat pump worth it in Oregon? ›
Heat pumps offer energy efficiency and can provide both heating and cooling capabilities, resulting in year-round comfort. They are better for the environment and can lower electricity bills. However, heat pumps have a higher upfront cost and may require more expensive maintenance.
What is the major problem of a heat pump? ›
Some common reasons include a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, or a faulty compressor. When a heat pump runs non-stop, it not only places unnecessary stress on the unit but also leads to inefficient operation and increased energy consumption.
What is the Oregon state heat pump rebate? ›
Rebates for the program vary based on the type of heat pump — traditional or mini-split — if there are needed electrical upgrades and if the tenant is considered low- or moderate-income. Landlords can get up to $5,000 for installing an energy efficient heat pump to a house.
At what temperature is a heat pump useless? ›
Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs.
What is the downfall of heat pumps? ›
Here are the cons of heating and cooling your home with a heat pump: Higher installation cost: Because heat pumps are more complex, they cost more to purchase and install than a comparable air conditioner. However, you may save money compared to replacing an AC unit and furnace at the same time.
How much does it cost to install a heat pump in Oregon? ›
Installation will also be added to the final expense. The average cost to have a new heat pump installed is somewhere around $5,500, but you could end up paying as little as $4,000 or well over $10,000. The reason that the price can vary so much is that it really depends on the specific unit you choose.
What are the incentives for heat pumps in Oregon in 2024? ›
2024 Federal Tax Credits
- Air conditioners, furnaces, and boilers have a maximum credit of $600.
- Deduct up to $2,000 for air-source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
- Claim up to $150 for an energy audit.
- Upgrade your electrical panel and deduct up to $600.
- The home insulation credit has a maximum of $1,200.
Longevity and Maintenance
Ruud heat pumps are built to last over 10 years with proper maintenance, which includes regular inspections of the blower, filters, ducts, and coils. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your system.
Why do people not like heat pumps? ›
Heat pumps loose their effectiveness (not to be confused with their efficiency) the colder it gets outside forcing you to either use the electric heat or stay cold. Systems that are designed poorly so the ductwork is too small resulting in a lot of air noise and drafts that is not as warm.
Building infrastructure, natural gas vs. electric rates, and retrofit cost are issues limiting the broader adoption of heat pumps. Installation costs can be higher for existing buildings, where retroactively installing heat pumps can be difficult and require integration with existing systems.
Can a heat pump cool a house in 100 degree weather? ›
Yes! Heat pumps thrive in warmer temperatures. They're pros at removing heat from your home and transferring it outdoors, keeping your home feeling cool and fresh. They also dehumidify your home more effectively than traditional AC.
What is the best heat pump for Oregon? ›
If you're looking for a ducted heat pump, consider the Mitsubishi SVZ. The energy efficiency, clean air filters, and strong cash incentives make this heat pump a natural choice for homeowners in the Portland area.
Do heat pumps qualify for federal tax credit? ›
High-efficiency heat pumps and mini splits are eligible for a federal tax credit up to $2,000. Larger federally funded rebates might become available in 2024, though they may not be easy to claim. A California statewide rebate of $1,000 is available, up to two systems per household.
What is the Heehra rebate in Oregon? ›
With HEEHRA, households that make below 150% of the area's median income can qualify for up to $8,000 in rebates, which can cover an entire installation. Portland's Housing Bureau will determine these household income ranges. State Energy Offices and tribes will be administering the rebate funds in 2023.
When not to get a heat pump? ›
Heat pumps might struggle in drafty, poorly insulated homes. You might need to upgrade your electrical service to support whole-house electric heating. And it's possible that you'll want to keep (or add) a backup heating system just in case the weather gets so unusually cold that your heat pump can't keep up.
Are heat pumps really worth it? ›
Why should you consider buying one? An air source heat pump is a more sustainable option than oil or gas heating and it uses the electricity more efficiently than other heating systems. So overall, it's a more energy efficient solution to heating your home.
What is the life expectancy of a heat pump? ›
The life expectancy of a heat pump depends on several factors, such as the type of heat pump, your location, and how well the heat pump is maintained. Heat pumps normally last an average of 15 years, though some can wear out after a decade. Some of the newer units being manufactured today can last a bit longer.
