Heat pumps can provide cost-effective and energy-efficient heating,
cooling and water heating for homes and businesses. While traditional
systems burn fuel to create heat, a heat pump instead works by moving
heat into or out of a building. Though they require electricity to
operate, efficient heat pumps can provide the same amount of heating
for a third of the electricity needed for traditional electric
heating. Heat pumps circulate a liquid, called a refrigerant, between
an indoor air-handling unit and an outdoor radiator. When heating a
building, the heat pump heats the liquid by pressurizing it, pumps it
from outdoors inside, and then circulates it through the home or
building’s heating system. After the liquid transfers the heat into
the building, it is depressurized and cooled. The liquid then travels
to the outdoor radiator, where the ambient temperature warms the
refrigerant, and the process begins again. Heat pumps can also be used
to cool buildings through a similar process. In this case, the warm
air inside a home or building is cooled by the liquid, which has been
depressurized. The refrigerant is then sent outside and pressurized,
which heats it up, and the ambient outdoor temperature cools it. Heat
pumps can use the temperatures of either the outdoor air or the ground
to heat or cool homes or buildings. Heat pumps that utilize outside
air are known as air-source heat pumps. Heat pumps that use the
nearly constant temperature underground are known as ground-source
heat pumps. Air-Source Heat Pumps Advancements in technology over the
past few years have made air-source heat pumps an efficient source of
heating and cooling in cold climates like Massachusetts. Models on the
market today can operate efficiently even when it is below zero
Fahrenheit. Much like air conditioners, air-source heat pumps can be
installed either as central units or split units. Central units
utilize a building’s heat distribution system to heat and cool a
building and can also be used for water heating. Split units typically
provide heating and cooling to just one room of a building, reducing
demand on the existing heating system. Ground-Source Heat Pumps
Ground-source heat pumps use the nearly constant temperature
underground to transfer heat and are the most efficient type of heat
pump. Ground-source heat pumps require a trench or well to operate.
Certain properties may not have sufficient space or geological
conditions to support a ground-source heat pump. Ground-source heat
pumps often utilize a ducted ventilation system for providing heating
or cooling to a building, though some may utilize a hot water
distribution system for heating purposes. Economics & Incentives
Efficient heat pumps can reduce heating costs when replacing or
supplementing an oil, propane, or electric resistance heating system.
In fact, air-source heat pumps can heat your home for one third the
price of traditional electric heating. MassCEC supports the
installation of both air-source and ground-source heat pumps through
its Commonwealth Home Heating and Cooling program, a partnership with
the Department of Energy Resources. Heat pumps may also qualify for
federal, state, and utility incentives. The incentives differ
for ASHPs and GSHPs. Some incentives that may be available are
outlined below: MassSave 0 Percent Interest HEAT Loan (0% Loan)
MassSave Heat Pump Rebate (Heating and Cooling) (Air-source heat
pumps only) MassSave Heat Pump Rebate (Domestic Water
Heating) (Air-source heat pumps only) Federal 30 Percent Residential
Renewable Energy Tax Credit (Ground-source heat pumps only)
Homeowners looking to install a heat pump should also consult
MassCEC's Finding a Heat Pump Installer webpage for more helpful
information.
