Heat pumps: so hot right now. Everyone’s getting them. They’re solving the world’s climate problems. Rebates make them practically free, and they cost nothing to run! If you don’t have one, you’re missing out.
That’s an exaggeration, but it might feel like reality if you’ve been drawn in by the hype on heat pumps. The thing is, while heat pumps are great, they are not the right solution for every home’s HVAC system or layout, and they might not make financial sense for you right now.
Don’t get a heat pump if:
1. Your home is not properly sealed or insulated
What’s the point of paying to cool your air if it’s just going right back out of your house? Energy efficiency starts with air sealing and insulation. That’s where you first need to invest your heating and cooling budget. And speaking of budgets…
2. You don’t have at least $3,000 for a line item
That’s a minimum estimate because right now, Efficiency Maine heat pump rebates are not flowing as they have been in past years. When you call around to get estimates, ask how the service provider handles rebates. There is also a $2,000 federal tax rebate to file after installation.
3. You are planning on it being your sole source of heat
Yes, the world is warming, but there will be negative degree days in Maine for the foreseeable future. Paul Smith, owner and lead technician at Maine Shore Mechanical, recalled February 3 and 4 just last year, when the temperature went way below zero in some places. He said they got about 80 calls from new customers who had heat pumps as their sole source of heating––and frozen pipes. “We mostly ran around shutting off water,” he said, before following up in a timely manner to make repairs or install alternative systems. There are slightly more expensive units that are rated for temperatures 15 below zero, but Smith recommends you always have a backup.
But heat pumps do work and while they won’t save the world, they will save you money if it makes sense. Get a heat pump for your home or business if:
1. You need a cooling solution
Air conditioning is becoming a must-have in Maine, and heat pumps are a quieter and more efficient alternative to window units. Smith pointed out that heat pumps dehumidify and since evaporation causes cooling, even a setting of 70 can be comfortable.
2. You have the right layout
Heat pumps can be good in open layouts and contained spaces like bedrooms. Smith said he and his wife have three wall heads in their home: one in the kitchen-dining room, one in the living room, and one in their primary bedroom. “We cook for and host the kids and grandkids, sometimes a dozen people, five days a week,” he said. “It was a no brainer to put them in the busiest part of the house.”
3. You can afford an investment (to save in the long run)
While a project can cost a few thousand, you will be in for serious monthly savings. “We raised four kids in that same home,” said Smith. “So, we had four window units going, and bills were sometimes an additional $150 a month in the summer. Now, we have one less zone to cool, but we’re paying $40.” Another question to ask potential service providers is about warranties and repairs. For example, Maine Shore Mechanical stocks parts, repairs units they sell and warranties their work on top of any manufacturer’s warranty.
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