Heat pumps are economical, energy efficient ways to Heat and cool your home. And the State of New York is encouraging you to find more green heating and cooling alternatives. So why is everyone afraid of heat pumps?

Turns out there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about heat pumps that lead people to choose less efficient and less planet-friendly means of heating and cooling. Here are five things you might believe about heat pumps and why they are totally not true and an extra one that has a bit of truth to it.

Top 5 Heat Pump Myths

1.    Heat pumps don’t work in cold climates.

Someone forgot to tell the Rocky Mountains that heat pumps don’t work in the cold.

RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute) says this myth is based on old data. “[M]odels from the 1980s struggled to operate efficiently (or operate at all) in sub-freezing temperatures,” but more modern technology allows performance in temperatures well-below freezing. Heat pumps have successfully been used in Minnesota and other very cold parts of the continental United States… and even in the Arctic Circle.

Consumer Reports suggests that if you consider a heat pump in a colder climate; you may be very happy, if you choose well and have it installed properly.

2.    Heat pumps are high maintenance.

When you install a heat pump, you will need to regularly maintain it. But that’s no different than any other heating and cooling system.

The U.S. Department of Energy says that a poorly maintained heat pump costs you money in the form of energy. “Like all heating and cooling systems, proper maintenance is key to efficient operation. The difference between the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump and a severely neglected one ranges from 10% to 25%.”

Proper maintenance includes changing filters regularly and making sure to keep the coils clean. You’ll also need to have the heat pump checked by a professional once a year, just like any other air handling system. In fact, tune-ups at the beginning of warm weather and the start of cold weather are good practices.

3.    Heat pumps don’t work in old buildings.

Sealed (a national firm that designs home heating and cooling options) suggests heat pumps are ideal for older homes. Because they can be installed without ductwork, they can maintain the integrity of the old woodwork and construction while also getting rid of that old house smell.

And testimonials about how well heat pumps work in old homes are readily available. The system can help you fill your home with consistent temperatures and fresh air.

4.    Heat pumps are noisy.

While it depends on your definition of noisy, heat pumps are not any louder than any other HVAC system. In fact, as this video shows, you can put a camera directly on top of the heat pump and still hear someone talking.  For the first part of the video, you can barely even hear the heat pump.

Atmospheric conditions and what surrounds your heat pump will make a difference, but – generally speaking – they are not any louder than any other option.

5.    Heat pumps take up a lot of space.

Again, as the video above demonstrated, this myth is just that… A myth. Most people would not know the difference between a heat pump and an outdoor air conditioning unit in size or noise level.

And in the category of may be true, but…

6.    Heat pumps are expensive to install.

Heat pump costs will vary based on the type needed for the size of your house.

A 2023 Forbes article cites an average cost of $5,500, with a range of $2,500 to $10,000 (or even more) depending on the type and the installation costs. Geothermal units will cost more than air cooled units. And the size of the unit you need will depend on everything from the size of your house to the quality of your insulation.

However, that cost might not seem as daunting when you realize it replaces both your heating and cooling systems. And it gets rid of the need for oil and gas tanks using costly fossil fuel. In addition, the cost of repairing or replacing a gas boiler heating system can easily outstrip the cost of a heat pump.

And it’s better for the planet. New York is encouraging homeowners to opt-in to alternatives to fossil fuels. Heat pump incentives and rebates might also be available to offset the cost.

Tragar Installs and Maintains Heat Pumps

When you are ready to start saving on your energy bills with a heat pump, Tragar Home Services can help you find the right one and install it quickly and professionally. Not sure what the best option is for your home?  We can help. Call us today.