Do Heat Pumps Use Much Electricity?

How to get the most from your heat pump this winter

We don’t need to tell you that prices are higher these days. With supply chain issues, record-high inflation, and global conflicts roiling the market, American consumers are feeling the financial pinch. That’s true in the grocery and at the gas pump. It’s also the case when it comes to heating your home.
Many Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Worcester County homeowners are installing electric heat pumps, a heating and cooling system that has long been popular in Southern homes and overseas. Many of our customers want to know how much electricity they can expect to use with a heat pump.

How does a heat pump system work?

A heat pump moves heat between the inside and outside of your home. It comprises two essential parts: a compressor that sits outside your home and an air handler inside. In the winter, a heat pump compresses air from the outside, heating it and moving it into your living space. In summer, the reverse happens. The heat pump pulls warm inside air and expels it outside.

How much electricity do heat pumps use?

You can expect to use more electricity with a heat pump. Depending on how long you run it, the cost of electricity in your region, and how many air handlers your home has, this cost can be considerable, possibly more than a thousand dollars extra per year. But it will be largely offset by the reduced fuel usage you experience by not running a boiler or furnace.

It’s worth noting, however, that many of our customers choose to keep their furnace or boiler even after their heat pump installation. This is a backup heat source for the coldest weeks of the year.

Four wintertime heat pump tips

Now that you have a sense of how heat pumps work and how much electricity they use, let’s discuss some ways to use your heat pump efficiently this winter:

1. Set your system to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that this temperature is a good balance for energy savings and comfort.
2. Be ready for long cycles. Unlike furnaces, heat pumps do not blast hot air to bring your room, then shut off. They run longer to regulate your temperature. So, don’t be surprised by longer heat cycles.
3. Don’t fiddle with the thermostat. Because heat pumps cycle longer, it’s generally not a good idea to futz with the temperature in your home. Lowering it a degree or two will not significantly reduce the heat pump’s electric usage. Set your temperature and stick with it.
4. Keep your heat pump in good condition. One of the significant positives of a heat pump is its lifespan, which can exceed 15 years. Of course, you want to make sure it stays in good condition to extend its life and ensure efficient energy use. The NATE-certified technicians at TF Complete Heating & Cooling can handle any heat pump repair or maintenance call. We’ll make sure your system runs at peak performance.

Need a heat pump tune-up before the end of the year? We’re the Heat Pump Experts! Contact us now to request service.