By Anne Fonda
An electric heat pump is an HVAC unit that uses electricity to provide both heating and cooling. A heat pump system can replace an air conditioner and gas furnace system in many areas of the United States. This electrification of heat reduces the burning of fossil fuels and resulting carbon emissions.
An air source heat pump (ASHP) uses electricity to extract heat and move warm air from one place to another, to where it’s needed or not needed, depending on the season. Even in cold air, heat energy is present. When it’s cold outside, the HP extracts heat from the air and transfers it inside during the heat exchange process. When it’s warm outside, it reverses directions and acts like an air conditioner, removing hot air from your home.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), because heat pumps move heat in a heat exchange process rather than converting it from fuel, as a gas furnace or boiler does, some high-efficiency heat pumps can deliver up to 300% more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy they consume.
If you’re converting from an air conditioner and gas furnace system, we offer the 120V Modular Variable Speed Air Handler, which is a plug-and-play replacement for your furnace. No need for electrical upgrades or retrofitting.
If you live in an area with especially cold winters, you might want to consider a hybrid heating system. This is where you pair the heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump reliably heats your home for most of the time, and the furnace kicks in when the temperatures drop too low for the heat pump to be as efficient.
When temperatures rise, the heat pump takes over the heating responsibility again. Your system is set up at installation to make the switchovers automatically.
At Trane, we’re excited about the electrification of heat, so we have a growing library of articles to help homeowners like you separate fact from fiction and learn more about the benefits of heat pump systems. We invite you to explore further.
The best way to learn if a heat pump system is right for your home is to work with an HVAC professional with expertise in these systems.
If you’re interested in learning more about how a heat pump system can help you lower your energy consumption, save money on your energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions, contact your local Trane dealer today.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Ducted Outdoor
Heat pumps are HVAC systems that can perform both heating and cooling functions without the use of fossil fuels.
A dual fuel heat pump combines a heat pump and a gas furnace into one system, then uses whichever is optimal depending on temperature, season, and function needed to maximize your heating and cooling comfort.
A hybrid system combines a heat pump and a gas furnace and uses each in its optimal conditions in order to both heat and cool your home.
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