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Heat pumps usually have low energy costs in comparison to gas or propane heating methods.

Because heat pumps harness existing heat rather than creating it via combustion, homeowners who switch to heat pumps can see a decrease in their utility bills. Certain types of heat pumps offer additional energy savings. For example, ductless heat pumps allow a room’s occupants to control the temperature in a limited space, meaning you don’t have to pay for heating an entire building, just a single room.  

Heat pumps can be an energy-efficient temperature control solution compared to other methods of heating, especially for DMV residents who require both heating and cooling during the year.

Heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it. Because they're not creating warmth, like a furnace, they can utilize less energy to both warm and cool your home.

However, heat pump efficiency (depending on the model) can decrease in particularly cold weather as it gets harder to pull heat out of the outside air. If you’re switching from a gas furnace to a heat pump for your heating, you’ll also notice an increase in your electric bill, even if the savings in natural gas or propane offset the increase.

Can a Heat Pump Save You Money on Your Energy Bill?

Yes, a heat pump can save you money on your utility bills overall, even if your electric bills go up a bit when switching from gas heating to heat pump heating.

Several factors affect the total amount of savings you can benefit from. They include:

• The local climate: While the DMV experiences four distinct seasons, the overall climate is still considered mild compared to areas further north. Mild climates benefit from heat pump efficiency because it can take the place of both a heater and air conditioner unit, saving you money on utility and installation costs.

• The size of your home: A larger home will need a larger heat pump system. While there are monthly savings attributed to the better energy efficiency of heat pumps, these may be offset by the initial cost of installation.

• Your home's efficiency: If your home is poorly insulated, it will require more energy to maintain the indoor temperature. Heat pumps transfer heat from inside or outside your home (depending on the mode), which is more efficient than creating heat through combustion, saving you money.

Rising Utility Costs? Your Heat Pump May Need Repairs.

Heat pumps maintain their energy efficiency best when they're in optimal working condition. If your heat pump appears to be inflating your utility bills, it may be consuming more electricity than it should to heat or cool your home. This can be a sign of malfunction, and it may be time to schedule maintenance or repairs. 

Situations where heat pumps consume extra energy include:

• Old age: Old age is one of the most common reasons your heat pump may begin to draw too much energy. The older the unit, the more likely it is nearing the end of its lifespan. If your unit is 10 years old or older, it may be time to consider a replacement.

• Clogged air filters: Clogged air filters can ruin the efficiency of your unit and may cause significant damage to your HVAC system if left unchecked. 

• Damaged compressor: If there are loose or broken connections in the compressor, they can cause the heat pump to leak refrigerant liquid, making it more difficult to maintain heat. A lack of refrigerant liquid can lead to the heat pump icing over, which may result in the total failure of the unit during more extreme temperatures. The heat pump will be overworked and require more energy than normal as it struggles to maintain the temperature in your home.

• Thermostat wiring error: If there's a thermostat wiring error with your heat pump, it may cause your unit to consume more energy than necessary. This could result in an inaccurate reading on the thermostat or a heat pump system that has difficulty maintaining an even temperature due to installation errors. 

Improving The Energy Efficiency of Your Heat Pump System

Schedule Regular Maintenance: Scheduling regular maintenance for your heat pump system is the best way to ensure it maintains maximum efficiency. Heat pumps last an average of 15 years and should be serviced twice a year for optimal performance. A heat pump that's performing its best utilizes less energy, which means lower utility costs for you in the long run.

Optimize The Location: Outdoor heat pumps should be installed in a place where dirt, debris and heavy winds will not compromise the unit. These can cause issues during colder months, where the heat pump may ice over if it cannot defrost properly. If you’re interested in installing a new unit, entrust the process to our expert technicians at Home Air Services.

Choose The Most Energy Efficient Heat Pump for Your Home in Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac or Any of the Surrounding Maryland Areas

At Home Air Services, our trusted HVAC technicians are ready to provide heat pump services and address any concerns you may have. We’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs and offer hassle-free installations to the DMV and surrounding areas. For a free installation quote or to schedule maintenance, call (301) 812-3906.