Heat pumps are a relatively new home heating option in our part of the Northeast. Advanced technology has made them increasingly viable in climates like Maine’s, and state rebate programs have boosted interest in these all-electric systems. But are they feasible as a year-round heating and cooling option, especially when winters can become so unrelentingly freezing in our state? Can they match the reliable, robust heat generation you get from a traditionally-fueled boiler or furnace?
Let’s look at the big picture to provide some context for what role a heat pump could play in your home.
It’s important to understand that, unlike a furnace or boiler, a heat pump does not actually generate any heat. It transfers heat between the inside and outside of your home. Here’s a general rundown of how it does this:
This process is highly efficient in the right circumstances. You can get outstanding air conditioning all summer and supplemental heat on milder fall and early winter months from a heat pump. (They’re also fantastic for climate control in individual rooms or detached buildings that lack ductwork.) When the temperature plunges below freezing for an extended period, heat pump performance can become a problem.
The Department of Energy divides the U.S. into eight climate zones. Modern heat pumps in a properly designed system can provide all the heat a home will need up through zone 6. However, in zones 7 and 8 — which include the northern parts of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine and all of Alaska — a heat pump will struggle to maintain comfortable in temperatures when it’s freezing outside for a sustained period.
Consumer Reports explains that “even today’s cold-climate heat pumps might not provide adequate heat. You’ll likely need a backup heating system if you live in one of these areas.”
If you choose to add a heat pump to your home, you still want to retain an oil- or gas-fired boiler or furnace as a standby heating option for the coldest days of the year. This backup is crucial for countless Maine homes to remain warm and safe in the winter. A traditionally-fueled backup system is also often more cost-effective than running a heat pump all day when it’s freezing outside.
The best answer is “it depends.” Because heat pumps run on electricity, they are often considered the “green” option to heat and cool your home and/or business. However, it’s important to note that New England’s power grid is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels for generation.
It’s also important to note that, even with financial incentives, buying and installing the kind of cold-weather heat pumps you’d need for Maine’s climate can cost thousands — especially if you need to upgrade your home’s electric infrastructure.
A more effective and affordable option may be to upgrade your current oil- or gas-heating system to a high-efficiency model. This will not only shrink your home’s carbon footprint but also reduce your energy spending.
Moreover, eco-friendly heating products like Bioheat® fuel — a blend of ultra-low-sulfur heating oil and renewable bio-diesel — can instantly lower your CO2, sulfur oxide, mercury and particulate matter emissions. And you get these emissions instantly and with zero modifications to your existing heating system!
So, if you are considering purchasing a heat pump, contact your local heating professional to learn what will work best for you and confirm that it is the best move for your energy needs.