Are Heat Pumps Good for Texas Homes?
While a heat pump may look similar to a central air conditioner, there’s one key difference: a heat pump can be reversed so it offers cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. Although heat pumps may not be ideal for every home in Texas, they’re a great option for many homeowners.
In fact, they’re the heating system of choice for nearly 20% of Texas homes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, with over 1.95 million systems installed.
Discover the Big Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump
Though heat pumps have been around for decades, recent advances in technology have made them more popular and more efficient. Here are some of the benefits of switching to a heat pump:
Save Money on Your Energy Bill
Heat pumps use a condenser coil, evaporator, and compressor to extract heat from one area and move it to another. In the summer, this process is used to cool the home, and in the winter, it’s used to heat the home.
Because the heat is only moved by the system, not generated by it, the process is very efficient. In heating mode, a heat pump is four times more efficient than an oil or gas furnace, and it produces twice the heat for the same amount of energy as an electric resistance heating system.
This means significantly lower energy costs, and with over 60% of Texans heating with electricity only, heat pumps can be a great way to reduce demand on the electrical system.
Lower Your Carbon Footprint
Heat pumps don’t use natural gas or oil, so they can help you reduce your carbon footprint.
While many power plants in Texas use carbon-producing fuels like natural gas, over 28% of the state’s electricity comes from renewable resources like wind and solar, and a heat pump can let you take advantage of these green energy alternatives.
Qualify for Energy Incentives
If you’re due for an HVAC replacement, upgrading to a heat pump can actually save you money. It replace both your heating and cooling systems and help you qualify for a major tax incentive. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the incentives for certain energy-efficient home upgrades have been extended and increased.
By installing select heat pump models that meet ENERGY STAR® and Consortium for Energy Efficiency requirements, you can earn back up to 30% of the installation costs for your heat pump, including labor, for a total tax credit of up to $2,000.
Under the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEERA), which is moderated by the State of Texas, low-income families may be able to earn up to an $8,000 rebate on a new heat pump, and moderate-income families may be able to earn up to a $4,000 rebate.
Cons of Heat Pumps To Consider
Although heat pumps cost less to install than separate heating and cooling systems, and they’re more efficient, there are some downsides. Heat pumps don’t work quite as efficiently at lower temperatures when compared to furnaces or other heating systems.
Depending on the model, when it’s below 25 to 40 degrees, supplemental heating may needed, which is usually costly electric resistance heating coils.
In the mild climate of Texas, this is rarely an issue, plus many of today’s newest heat pumps can heat effectively down to as low as -10 degrees, thanks to new coil designs, more efficient compressors, and better fans. But these models are more costly.
Between the energy efficiency and the convenience of an all-in-one system, a heat pump can be a great choice for most Texas homes.
Learn More About the Benefits of Heat Pump Installation in Texas
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a heat pump in the McKinney area, contact Harris Air Services. We offer professional heat pump installations with excellent financing options, and we feature licensed, certified HVAC technicians.
As a family-owned company, we provide exceptional service with upfront pricing, valuable specials, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Call 469-325-1034 today to schedule your heat pump installation in McKinney, Allen, Richardson, or surrounding areas.
