Heat Pump Planner: Clean Heating, Cooling, and Water Heating Options for Homes

Need help determining the heat pump system that might be best for your home? Our Heat Pump Planner tool will help you learn more about heat pump technology, the types available, installation and operation costs, and questions to ask an installer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 update—download three new guides:
Ground Source Hydronic Heat Pumps for Two-Story Homes
Ground Source Hydronic Heat Pumps for One-Story Homes
Heat Pump Water Heaters

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⬆Heat Pump PlannerDownload

What are heat pumps?

Heat pumps are a cleaner, proven technology that can provide up to 100 percent of your home’s heating and cooling needs, depending on the system type. In the summer, they work like an air conditioner to move heat outdoors, cooling your home, more efficiently than central air conditioners or window units. In the winter, the process is reversed by using electricity to move heat into your home instead of burning fuel. These systems work all winter and can reduce your energy costs, decrease your carbon footprint, and increase comfort every day.

ground source heat pumps

 

 

Ground source or geothermal
heat pumps use buried pipes to extract heating or cooling from below ground.

 

Compared to air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps are more efficient and do not require outdoor units (condensers).

 

Ground source systems typically take longer and cost more to install.

air source heat pumps

 

 

Air source heat pumps extract heating or cooling from outdoor air. Technology designed for cold climates can efficiently heat homes all winter across New York State.

 

Air source systems are less costly to install and more versatile, but not as efficient as ground source heat pumps.

 

Outdoor units – similar to AC condensers – are necessary with air source heat pumps.

heat pumps can provide hot water, too.

 

 

 

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) use electricity to provide hot water efficiently and reliably, using heat from the surrounding air to heat water.

 

HPWHs use one third the energy of most other water heaters, with no fuels or carbon monoxide risk, and are relatively simple to install without major disruptions.

 

 

 

Heat pumps are safer and more efficient, sustainable, and versatile. Why?

Heat pumps cost less to operate than oil, propane, or electric baseboard heating systems.

Heat pumps are a safer option compared to gas or liquid fuels. There is no chimney, gas line, oil tank, or burning of fuels and no risk of generating carbon monoxide.

Heat pumps can provide all your heating and cooling needs. The same unit cools your house in the summer and provides heat in the winter.

Heat pumps generate no greenhouse gas emissions when your electricity comes from clean sources. Heat pumps can also be powered by solar at your home.

With current technology, heat pumps are efficient in all seasons and can provide most (if not all) of the heating needs in homes across New York State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consider Heat Pumps When:

 

You want to save money compared to an oil, propane, or electric baseboard heating system

 

You want to add air conditioning or replace an existing AC unit

 

Your heating system is old and will soon need replacement

 

You are planning a major renovation or building a new home

 

You want to reduce your carbon footprint

Discover Heat Pump Options for Your Home

Respond to the below questions to receive a tailored package of options that work for your home. Ready to install? Work with a participating contractor from the NYS Clean Heat program and access utility rebates.

download the full report: Heat Pump Planner 43mb

 

 

 

 

Developed By:           

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority     
nyserda.ny.gov

Building Energy Exchange                
be-exchange.org

Steven Winter Associates, Inc.             
swinter.com