An air-source heat pump can cut your heating costs and increase efficiency during the spring and fall heating seasons. Approximately 75% of heating hours in our area are 10 degrees or above; the air-source heat pump is approximately 200% efficient at 10 degrees.
Incorporating an air-source heat pump with a storage furnace increases efficiency because the furnace is electronically programmed to assist the heat pump.
Incorporating an air-source heat pump with a gas or oil furnace increases efficiency because the furnace is designed to be most efficient in colder temperatures. The 200% efficient heat pump carries the heating load in warmer temperatures when your furnace is least efficient.
Using a 13-SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or greater air-source heat pump is highly recommended.
Central heat pumps provide both cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. However, heat pumps generally do not perform well over extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures. The cooling performance of heat pumps, like that of central air conditioners, is rated according to the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Heating performance is measured by the heating season performance factor (HSPF), a ratio of the estimated seasonal heating output divided by the seasonal power consumption for an average U.S. climate.