HGTV's Mike Holmes Makes A Good Case For Installing A Heat Pump In Your Home

There are a lot of reasons you may be considering a new HVAC system. Rising utility bills may have you researching more energy-efficient options. Maybe your existing system is so old that you're on a first name basis with your HVAC repairman. Or, perhaps you feel like Goldilocks trying to get the temperature of your rooms just right. According to HGTV's Mike Holmes, if you're looking for a solution that heats and cools your home while significantly reducing your energy consumption costs, installing a heat pump is a great idea.

"The biggest advantage ... of using an air-source heat pump is the high efficiency it can provide ... compared to other systems like furnaces, boilers, and electric baseboards," Holmes writes on his blog, Make It Right. A heat pump (or mini-split system) works thanks to a condenser located outside your home and an air handle unit located inside. A refrigeration line connects the two to circulate either hot or cool air. The Canadian contractor recommends Bosch units, but there are several top-rated mini-split brands to consider for your home. 

Heat pumps can be ducted or ductless. If your home already has existing ductwork, a ducted heat pump system is ideal for practically invisible, whole-house heating and cooling. Ductless heat pumps are better if you want more temperature control in various zones in your home. However, you may also end up with visible units throughout your home if you go ductless. 

The size of your home will help to determine what size heat pump you need. Heat pumps are classified by the ton. In general, HVAC manufacturers and technicians recommend one ton of air conditioning capability for every 500 square feet in your home. You should also consider the average temperature in your area and whether your existing ductwork is the correct size for maximum efficiency. Make sure not to under or oversize your heat pump (which will continuously cycle on and off, costing you more money.)

"I highly recommend looking into sources of heat loss in your home," Mike Holmes adds in his blog post about heat pumps. "Check windows and doors for air leakage to start. Address these issues first before buying a heat pump. You may end up needing a smaller heat pump size!" You should also evaluate the existing insulation in your walls and roof. If you have small rooms with high ceilings, this can impact the overall space you need to heat or cool. Consult with an HVAC professional for help determining the right system for your situation.

The average cost for a heat pump ranges from $4,247 to $7,933. That can seem daunting, especially if your energy bills already have you reeling. But, now is the time to replace your old unit thanks to government rebate programs. Installing Energy Star Most Efficient heat pumps make you eligible for a tax credit. Check with your local electric company for additional incentives. 

There are some downsides of heat pumps to consider before investing in a new system. "Most manufacturers of air-source heat pumps have a minimum operating temperature, which means the unit can't function below a certain temperature," Mike Holmes cautioned in his blog. This is why it's important to consider the average temperatures in your home's location. In frigid conditions, your heat pump won't be as efficient and may switch into an emergency heat mode that can dramatically increase your energy bill.

In below freezing conditions, your heat pump can ice over. The unit will then need to run a defrosting mode, which temporarily sends cold air into your home. If you have poor insulation or single-pane windows, it can be difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature, and you may need to run supplementary heat sources. "Natural gas heating systems can be used as backup systems for central heat pumps ... In many rural areas, wood heating is used to supplement a heat pump on the coldest days," Holmes wrote.

Even if you live in a mild climate, there are other drawbacks. The initial installation costs are higher than a new furnace or electric HVAC system, especially if you need to modify ductwork, add insulation, or configure multiple areas. Heat pumps are noisier because of the compressor and fan. There are also some sustainability concerns due to refrigerants that may leak out over time or in the event of damage to your unit.