Heat Pump Planner
Clean Heating & Cooling 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.

This resource was developed in partnership with Steven Winter Associates, Inc. in support of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Heat Pump Program.

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 and help save on energy bills. 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 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 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 are safer and more efficient, sustainable, and versatile. Why?

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

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

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  • Your heating system is old and will soon need replacement

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  • You are planning a major renovation or building a new home

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  • 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.

download: Heat Pump Planner (full report) 24mb

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

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