Air-Source Heat Pumps

Why ENERGY STAR?

Electric air-source heat pumps (ASHPs), often used in moderate climates, use the difference between outdoor air temperatures and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat your home. ASHPs that earn the ENERGY STAR label are independently certified to save energy, save money and protect the climate.

An ENERGY STAR certified ASHP provides highly efficient heating and cooling by extracting heat from outside into your home winter and pulling the heat out of your home in the summer. For some, it may be helpful to think or a ducted ASHP as a central air conditionerthat also works in reverse to provide whole-house space heating in winter.

BUYING GUIDANCE

Cold Climate Considerations

Many new ENERGY STAR certified ASHPs excel at providing space heating even in the coldest of climates, as they use advanced compressors and refrigerants that allow for improved low temperature performance. If you live in climate where winter temperatures regularly dip below freezing, talk to your contractor to choose an ENERGY STAR unit suited to your particular home.

Take Advantage of Incentives

Many utilities offer incentives for installing ENERGY STAR certified ASHPs. Check with your local utility for more details or go to: www.energystar.gov/rebatefnder. In addition, there may be a federal tax credit available for air source heat pumps that earn the ENERGY STAR. Learn more.

What else should I look for when buying an air-source heat pump?

If you've decided that you need to purchase a new air-source heat pump, learn how to hire a contractor. Remember, even though these products can be more expensive to purchase up-front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills. Also, perform regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system to prevent future problems and unwanted costs.

How to Find Certified Equipment

Be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR when shopping for an air-source heat pump. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) have developed an online database which identifies high efficiency equipment that has been tested to ARI 210/240 and verified by AHRI. In addition, the online directory identifies ENERGY STAR certified Central Air Conditioner and Air-Source Heat Pumps.

Air-source heat pumps originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in April, 1995.

Current Requirements effective date: September 15, 2015

Air-Source Heat Pumps and Central Air Conditioners Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

SAVINGS TIPS

Utilize all year long – Your heat pump is more energy-efficient than a furnace or boiler, even during winter. If you have both, you should use your heat pump year-round.

Stick with a steady temperature – Unlike a furnace or boiler, heat pumps do not save energy by turning it down when you’re away or asleep. For best use, pick a comfortable temperature and leave it there.

Avoid Auto mode – Make sure your heat pump is set to “heat” or “cool” to avoid the system switching modes during unseasonably warm or cold days.

Optimize fan speed – Utilize the “auto fan” setting or adjust the fan to the lowest speed that will spread the heated or cooled air far enough to meet your needs.

Clean your dust filters – Just like traditional HVAC systems, heat pumps work best with clean filters. Heat pump filters should be cleaned when visibly dirty or when indicated by the filter light.