Heat Pump FAQs Guide

While heat pumps have been in use for more than a century, it's only recently that these energy-efficient options became more common. What's more, they now work in virtually any climate, making them a more affordable option for homeowners. Though more expensive than a replacement furnace, heat pumps are powerful HVAC solutions with the power to both cool and heat your home.

This guide answers some of the most common heat pump questions and heat pump installation queries. Additionally, it provides the information you need to make decisions about your next HVAC upgrade.

1. What Is a Heat Pump?
2. What Are The Benefits of a Heat Pump?
3. Can a Heat Pump Replace an Air Conditioner?
4. Can a Heat Pump Be Used for Both Heating and Cooling?
5. Why Don't Heating Systems Use Heat Pumps Rather Than Gas?
6. How Do Heat Pumps Perform in Extreme Temperatures?
7. How Does a Dual-Fuel System With a Heat Pump Work?
8. Are Heat Pumps Noisy?
9. What Size Heat Pump Do I Need for a 1,000-Square-Foot Home?
10. What Size Ducting Is Required for a Heat Pump Installation?
11. Is It Possible To Install a Mini Split Heat Pump Without Ducts?
12. Can a Heat Pump Be Used in Older Homes?
13. How Do You Wire a Heat Pump to a Furnace?
14. What Is the Installation Labor Cost of a Heat Pump Installation?
15. Is a Heat Pump a Waste of Money for Most People?
16. What Temperature Should I Set My Heat Pump to in the Winter?
17. What Is the Lifespan of a Heat Pump?
18. Are There Incentives or Rebates for Installing a Heat Pump?
19. Does Four Seasons Recommend Installing a Heat Pump?
20. What Are the Benefits of Ductless Heat Pumps in Portland?

If you have questions not answered by our FAQ, please don't hesitate to give us a call.

Have questions about heat pumps? Call Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our experienced and knowledgeable technicians can answer all your questions and provide upfront, honest pricing for heat pump repairs or installation. Get a fast and convenient appointment today!

A heat pump is a device used for heating and cooling spaces by transferring heat from one place to another. It works on the principle of moving heat rather than generating it, making it an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. In colder months, heat pumps extract heat from the outside air or ground to warm the indoors, and in warmer months, they reverse the process to cool the interior by removing heat from it. This versatility and efficiency make heat pumps a popular choice for climate control in various environments.

Heat pumps offer several benefits, making them an attractive option for heating and cooling. Firstly, they are highly energy-efficient, as they transfer heat rather than generate it, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. Secondly, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling solutions, making them versatile for year-round climate control. Additionally, they contribute to environmental sustainability by using less fossil fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional heating systems. This combination of efficiency, versatility, and eco-friendliness makes heat pumps a beneficial choice for modern homes and businesses.

Yes, a heat pump can provide cooling at levels similar to a traditional central air conditioning system — at a fraction of the cost. In fact, older heat pumps were used primarily for cooling and limited heating in milder climates. Recent updates to the technology make it usable in all but the most arctic environments.

Yes, you can use a heat pump for heating and cooling. This type of unit is one of the most energy-efficient options for any type of temperature control, and they often provide better humidity control than traditional air conditioners.

In Portland, gas furnaces are the standard, largely because older heat pumps struggled in lower temperatures. Heat pumps not designed to operate in colder climates may struggle when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. It's important to work with an expert on your heat pump installation to get a system that's effective year-round.

Extreme temperatures are no match for a heat pump — if you get the right unit and properly insulate your home. Heat pumps have a long-standing place in southern homes, but recent upgrades make them more than capable of being your only heat source through a Portland winter.

While traditional wisdom says only ground-sourced heat pumps can generate heat in colder climates, that's no longer true. Flash injection and variable speed options make heat pumps a workable heating and cooling solution in virtually any state.

If you already have a gas furnace, you can add a heat pump system to handle all of your cooling needs, giving you more affordable heating. You only need your furnace during the coldest days of the year. The heat pump handles your heating when temperatures are 40 or above, and the furnace kicks on when temperatures drop. That means you primarily use the heat pump and get support from the furnace as needed.

Since heat pumps operating at above 40-degree temperatures are much more energy efficient than furnaces, you benefit from substantial savings on your monthly bills.

Heat pumps produce about as much noise as a traditional central air conditioner. This means the outdoor unit runs at about 60 decibels, while the indoor unit is quieter at 30 decibels or lower. Heat pumps currently hold the record for quietest operation among central heat options, but that doesn't apply to all makes and models.

Unless you opt specifically for a higher-priced, low-decibel unit, expect noise levels similar to any other central heating and cooling solution. That being said, these units are significantly quieter than window unit cooling options.

The general recommendation for a well-insulated 1,000-square-foot home is to opt for a 2-ton heat pump installation. Remember that it is a ballpark, and your home may require a more powerful unit. If your home isn't well-insulated, you'll need more heating and cooling power to stay comfortable.

On the other hand, if your home is well-insulated but has a non-traditional layout or lots of shade, it might also mean it needs a different size. To figure out the right size, trained HVAC installers run load calculations based on your specific home.

Heat pumps often use slightly larger ducts than other central heating solutions. However, if you already have ductwork, chances are you can find a heat pump system that works with your existing setup. If any changes are needed, it might only be part of your ductwork system. Plus, you can always opt for a ductless option if adding new ducts would increase your heat pump install cost.

Yes, you can install a mini split heat pump without ducts. Ductless units tend to be a bit pricier, but the savings during installation often make up the difference if your home doesn't already have ductwork. For example, if you're updating from radiant heat to a heat pump, a ductless option is often the most affordable way to get energy-efficient heating and cooling.

Yes, you can use a heat pump in older homes, but you may need to do some home repairs to reap the full benefits. Older homes often lack insulation, so you might need to talk to your installer about an audit to determine how best to seal your home and improve the heating and cooling performance of your new unit.

Even without new insulation, your heat pump keeps your home comfortable, but working harder and running longer means extra wear and tear on the unit. Best to avoid the issue by doing the insulation work at the same time if necessary.

We don't recommend wiring anything as a DIY project. If you're adding a heat pump to an existing furnace, it's best to work with a professional installer. Your furnace may not be designed to operate with a heat pump, which can mean extensive rewiring to get everything working properly.

A mistake could do damage to both units, leaving you liable to pay for replacements. Plus, if you've never created a site plan for a heat pump installation, you may not get an approved permit. Let the experts handle the details so you can enjoy the results.

Labor costs vary when it comes to heat pump installation. In a compact home that only needs a 1.5-ton unit, the labor cost could be as low as $2,000, while installing a 5-ton unit could cost you $10,000 or more in labor. It's best to get an exact quote for installation that includes labor.

At Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning, the average installation cost (including the unit) for ductless heat pumps ranges from $3,300 up to around $9,500. However, most Portland homeowners pay around $5,000 for their newly installed heat pump.

No, a heat pump isn't a waste of money. Most people can see significant savings by using a heat pump. However, installing one is slightly more expensive than a new furnace or air conditioner, but a single unit does both jobs. Expect to pay more upfront but save on your utilities and long-term repair costs.

According to the Department of Energy, 68 degrees is the ideal indoor winter temperature setting. This temperature keeps most people warm enough to feel comfortable without making the heat pump work overtime to get your home very warm. It's often recommended to drop the temperature during sleeping hours when most people in your home are bundled up in blankets. This helps save on heating costs while not sacrificing comfort.

Heat pumps last an average of 15 years, similar to the 15-20 years central air conditioners and furnaces have. It's important to note that a heat pump may wear out faster than split heating and cooling systems due to the year-round wear and tear.

In the plus column, the year-round run time means improved indoor comfort during every season. You know those days when it's warm and sunny until the sun goes down, and then you start feeling chilly? With a heat pump, your home stays stable pretty much all the time.

Yes, the Inflation Reduction Act extends tax credits and offers possible rebates on the original installation costs for heat pumps. Ask your installer if you qualify for any rebates to help offset the installation cost, and talk to your tax preparer about maximizing your savings. The tax credit offers up to $2,000 or 30% of the installation cost, whichever is lower.

Yes, we recommend installing a heat pump when it fits your needs and budget. Not every home is a great candidate for a heat pump, but many are. Let our installers inspect your home and current heating and cooling units to see if you should upgrade while you can take advantage of rebates and tax credits.

Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems, offer several distinct benefits. First, they are highly efficient and can lead to significant energy savings, as they allow for individual room control, reducing energy waste in unoccupied spaces. Second, their ductless design makes them easier and less invasive to install, especially in older buildings or additions where installing ductwork is impractical. Additionally, ductless heat pumps improve indoor air quality by eliminating the dust and allergens that can accumulate in traditional duct systems, making them a healthier choice for climate control.

At Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning, our NATE-certified technicians can offer detailed information about the costs and benefits of heat pump installation. If you already have a heat pump, our repair services mean you're back to comfort in no time.