FAQ’s about Heat Pumps

  • Would it be expensive to install heat pumps?

    Heat pump installation is costly, but there are multiple financial incentives to cover the costs. New York State and its utilities are supporting property owners with residents of all income levels to cover the cost of heat pumps. There are even financial incentives for low-income residents. To find out more about affording heat pumps, please get in touch with us here.

  • I use electric heat. Does it make sense to install heat pumps since they also use electricity?

    Yes, heat pumps are more energy-efficient than electric heat. One type of heat pump, an air-source heat pump, is almost two to three times more efficient than electric heat, while a ground source heat pump is four times or more efficient than electric heat.

  • Can heat pumps harm or affect my health?

    A heat pump is as harmless as a refrigerator: they both use the same principle. A refrigerator works to transfer heat in one direction from the refrigerated space. A heat pump transfers heat in two directions: from outside in the winter and inside in the summer.

  • I am a renter. Can I have heat pumps for my apartment?

    Yes, the building owner/landlord/property manager can arrange heat pump installation. Please contact us here and leave us the landlord’s or property manager's name and contact information.

  • How can I maximize energy savings from my heat pump?

    You may maximize your savings from your heat pumps by installing solar panels in your building. The solar panels will provide electricity to run the heat pumps.

  • Will I need an electrical service upgrade to run my heat pump?

    Your heat pump installer will determine if an electric upgrade will be needed to run a heat pump. If you have 100Amp electrical service, you most likely need an upgrade.

  • We've had power outages and expect more. What size generator would be needed to run a heat pump system?

    Speak with your installer, as each heat pump system is customized for your home.

  • Can I use the Heat Pump 24 hours a day?

    Yes, these modern heating and cooling systems (heat pumps) are designed to run continuously.

  • Are heat pumps environmentally friendly?

    Yes, they are environmentally friendly because they do not burn fossil fuel that damages the atmosphere and increase climate change in our planet.

FAQ’s about Air Source Heat Pump

  • How do I know that an air source heat pump is suitable for my property?

    There is a heat pump solution for every property. If you answer "Yes" to any of these questions below, and a heat pump system could be a perfect fit for you:

    –Do you heat with oil, gas, propane, or electric resistance?

    –Do you want central air conditioning but don't have/don't want to install ductwork?

    –Do you have persistent hot or cold spots?

    –Do you want more control over the temperature in individual rooms?

    –Are you sensitive to air pollutants and allergens?

    –Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint?

  • How complicated is installing an air source heat pump, and how much time will it take?

    An air-source heat pump installation is typically a straightforward process with minimal disruption to your home. A simple, single-zone ductless heat pump system can be completed in less than a day and only requires a single 2-3-inch hole to be cut (and later sealed) in your wall. If you install a "multi-zone" ductless system or a ducted system that requires modifications to your ductwork, your installation may take a few days to complete. Additionally, suppose your system needs additional time to minimize aesthetic impacts. In that case, it may take longer to run piping through walls.

  • How efficient are air source heat pumps?

    Heat pumps are typically rated for heating efficiency based on their Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) or seasonal Coefficient of Performance (COP), both of which describe the system's efficiency throughout the heating season. The seasonal efficiency of air-sourced heat pumps can range from 220% to 300%+ (i.e., COP of 2.2 to 3.0+) depending on the system type and application. That means that for every 1 unit of electricity used, 2.2 to 3 units of heat are transferred into the home by an air source heat pump. By comparison, electric resistance heating uses 1 unit of electricity to produce 1 unit of heat. Heat pumps also provide efficient cooling, comparable to the highest-efficiency air conditioners.

  • Can air source heat pumps provide hot water?

    There are water heaters that use heat pump technology. Your installer can tell you more about heat pump water heaters.

  • How long do air source heat pumps last?

    Heat pumps have an expected lifetime of about 15 years—similar to the average furnace or central A/C systems.

  • When do I know my heat pump needs maintenance?

    It is recommended that heat pumps be checked annually by a qualified heat pump contractor.

  • How well do heat pumps work in a New York winter?

    Cold climate heat pumps are well suited for New York winters. If you're interested in using a heat pump as a primary source of heating and are interested in saving on your heating bill, we recommend installing a cold climate heat pump to ensure that you can get high-efficiency performance and comfort year-round. Cold climate models are eligible for substantial rebates.

  • How noisy are air source heat pumps?

    A ductless indoor unit is quieter when running than a refrigerator and much more so than a typical window A/C unit. High-efficiency, variable-speed ducted heat pumps are quieter than a regular furnace or central air conditioner.

  • How do the annual maintenance costs of an air source heat pump compare to other heating systems?

    Annual system maintenance, which consists of cleaning air filters and a yearly maintenance checkup for the outside unit, costs about the same as servicing annual charges for a boiler or furnace.

  • Why are air source heat pumps considered "clean heating and cooling" technologies?

    Air source heat pumps are considered "clean" heating and cooling systems because they do not create heat. But instead, they move heat from the ambient air from one place to another. This process is powered by electricity, which can also be sourced from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydro. You can increase your use of clean energy by installing solar panels on your property.

  • Would air source heat pumps bring smells from outside along with the heat?

    Heat pumps do not bring outside smells into your house. If you notice any sort of displeasing scent coming from your heat pump's indoor or outdoor unit, it is likely in need of routine maintenance.

  • How often should I change the air filter in my system?

    Standard one-inch air filters should be checked every month during peak use and replaced if it looks dirty enough to impair the airflow through them. Some filters, such as electrostatic filters or electronic air cleaners, are washable; others, such as media type air cleaners, are disposable and must be replaced, but many of those are designed to last up to six months, even a year​

  • Do I have to cover my air source heat pump in the winter like I cover my outdoor A/C unit?

    No, do not cover your heat pump in winter. A heat pump needs to pull in the outdoor air through the side vents and exhaust through the top of the unit. If you cover your heat pump, it may not operate as designed and may cause damage to the system. You must clear snow and ice from on top of and around the outdoor unit in the winter.

  • How are contractors chosen to install air source heat pumps?

    Heat pump installers are accredited and in good standing with both NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) and Con Edison. Adopt Clean Energy will monitor installers. Clients are asked to send complaints about contractors here.

  • How do I find an air source heat pump installer?

    Click here to find a qualified air source heat pump contractor.

FAQ’s about Geothermal Heat Pump

  • Is a geothermal heat pump suitable for me?

    Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) or geothermal heat pump retrofits can work in many buildings. If you answer "Yes" to any of the questions below, the geothermal system may be a good fit for you:

    –Do you heat with oil, gas, propane, or electric resistance?

    –Do you want whole-home central air conditioning and heating in one system?

    –Are you concerned about aesthetic disruptions to your home?

    –Do you want the most efficient, environmentally-friendly system available?

    –Is your boiler/furnace, central AC system, or existing heat pump system 15+ years old?

  • How well do geothermal heat pumps work in the middle of winter?

    Very well, as the earth maintains a more consistent temperature throughout the winter than the air. As a result, geothermal heat pumps will perform better than air source heat pumps during the coldest parts of winter. In addition, GSHP systems are not exposed to atmospheric conditions and thus do not need to perform more wasteful defrost cycles as with ASHP systems. Near the end of winter, efficiency may be reduced slightly as the ground temperature has dropped. While air-source heat pumps can perform well in cold climates, geothermal may be a better fit if you want a central heating and cooling system with more robust year-round performance.

  • Why are geothermal heat pumps considered "clean heating and cooling" technologies?

    Geothermal heat pumps are considered "clean" heating and cooling systems because they do not create heat. But instead, they transfer heat from the ground into your building. The ground below your building maintains a constant temperature of about 52˚F, which is only a few degrees lower than room comfort. This process is powered by electricity, which can also be sourced from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydro.

  • How do the annual maintenance costs of geothermal heat pumps compare to other heating systems?

    Geothermal systems do not have higher maintenance requirements than traditional heating and cooling systems. However, annual maintenance is recommended to ensure that it functions well throughout its lifetime. The ground loop is designed to last for up to 50 years or more.

  • How long do geothermal heat pumps last?

    The ground loop piping is designed to last for up to 50 years or more. The indoor heat pump unit has been around 20 years, similar to conventional heating and cooling systems. Some pumps, controllers, or other components may require replacement sooner than the indoor unit.

  • How are contractors chosen to install ground source heat pump systems?

    Companies are accredited and in good standing with NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) and Con Edison. Adopt Clean Energy vets and monitors all contractors it recommends. Please Contact Us here if you have any complaints.

  • When/how do I know my heat pump needs maintenance?

    Heat pumps are recommended to be checked at least annually by a qualified geothermal heat pump contractor.

  • What if I don't have a lot of yard space?

    A vertical closed-loop system will require only a few small boreholes and take up as little space as two parking spots.

  • Can geothermal heat pumps provide hot water?

    Geothermal systems can be used to provide supplemental heat to your hot water.

  • How far away from home can the ground source collection system be located?

    The typical limit is 100 feet. It must be at least 25 ft from a septic system and 50 ft from domestic water well.

  • How efficient is a geothermal heat pump?

    A ground source heat pump is 400% or more efficient. That means for every unit of electricity used, four times or more heat is transferred.

  • How do I find a qualified geothermal contractor?

    Click here.

FAQ’s about Heat Pump Water Heater

  • Is a heat pump water heater right for me?

    A heat pump water heater could be right for you. There are many variabilities when deciding to install a heat pump water heater. Your installer can best determine the best option for you. In cold climates like New York, heat pump water heaters are best installed in the basement rather than a garage or vented closet. Hot water heat pumps are best in a location where the temperature remains 40˚ – 90˚F (4.4 – 32.2˚C), but most can function as a traditional electric water heater if conditions get colder. The operation of the unit both slightly cools and helps dehumidify the space where it is housed. Installation is comparable to traditional electric storage water heaters; a drain for condensate is required.

  • How are contractors chosen to heat pump water heaters?

    Companies are accredited and in good standing with NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) and Con Edison. Adopt Clean Energy vets and monitors all contractors it recommends. Please Contact Us here if you have any complaints.

  • How efficient are heat pump water heaters?

    Heat pump water heaters are more energy-efficient than conventional water heaters, resulting in lower utility bills. They also lower operating costs than a traditional water heater and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

  • How do the annual maintenance costs for an air pump water heater compare to other systems?

    Annual maintenance includes cleaning air filters periodically and having a qualified contractor service the heat pump water heater at least once a year. These costs are very comparable to the annual maintenance cost of conventional water heaters.

  • How long do heat pump water heaters last?

    Heat pump water heaters typically last around 10-15 years, similar to a conventional water heater.

FAQ’s about Solar Electricity - How to Further Reduce Your Electric Bill

  • If I get solar panels with my heat pumps, how will that affect my energy bills?

    Solar panels help you save money on electricity bills because the energy comes from the sun to transform into electric energy. Since the electricity comes from the sun rather than from utility companies, they cannot charge you for this electricity. Therefore, whatever electricity you use from the solar panel will be free of charge.

  • Would the solar panels be used exclusively to power the heat pumps, or can they power the rest of my house?

    Solar energy produces electricity that can be used to power all electrical appliances and your heat pumps.

  • Since heat pumps use electricity, how may I save more money on my electric bill?

    You may install solar electric panels to reduce your electric load because solar panels produce electricity to run your heat pump.

  • Do I have to get solar panels along with heat pumps, or can I get them without them?

    You do not need solar panels with your heat pumps. But, they are recommended to save more money and be more environmentally friendly.

  • Is there any financing for solar panels?

    Yes, please contact us here if you are interested in installing solar panels. We will refer you to a professional solar installer.