Heating and cooling costs are a big part of any New Jersey homeowner’s expenses. That’s because the hot summers and cold winters require NJ households to continually run their HVAC systems. So, are heat pumps worth it in NJ?

It’s worth installing a heat pump because of its dual heating and cooling functionality. Heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces and air conditioners, helping homeowners save a fortune on bills. The clean air that heat pumps provide is noticeably better than an AC or furnace. They also typically last at least 15 years, or much longer with routine maintenance. 

Heat pumps require a complex upfront installation, but you can enjoy energy savings right away. Follow along as we explore why heat pumps are a worthy investment for any New Jersey homeowner. 

What Do Heat Pumps Do?

Heat pumps transfer energy to cool and heat the air in your home. In cooling mode, heat pumps remove heat from your home via refrigerant. Heat pumps then transfer the heat outside so your home is cool and comfortable.

During fall and winter, heat pumps use refrigerant to warm the air in your house. Your compressor raises the refrigerant’s temperature to heat your home. The Refrigerant reaches the coil, which releases heat, and then turns back into its liquid form. 

Many New Jersey homeowners install heat pumps because of the heating and cooling functions. Heat pumps let homeowners keep their homes comfortable year-round with one simple system. 

Do Heat Pumps Save Money?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has stated that at least 62% of U.S. households can save money with a heat pump. While the installation cost is high, many NJ homeowners consider it worthwhile given the savings. Heat pumps save money because they transfer heat instead of generating it like a furnace. 

That’s why they use up to half the energy of a traditional furnace. The efficiency that heat pumps offer can save up to $1,500 per year in some states. Heat pumps don’t rely on fossil fuels, so resource expenses aren’t a factor. 

Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient, but air-source pumps can also save money. You can especially save money with heat pumps if your home is properly weatherized. Insulate your home and seal cracks to weatherize it and ensure your heat pump is as efficient as possible. 

Heat Pump Pros and Cons

Like air conditioners and furnaces, heat pumps boast many pros and cons. Luckily, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to heat pumps. Let’s explore the pros and cons of heat pumps to give you an idea of what to expect. 

Pros

  • Energy savings. Heat pumps let you save a fortune on energy bills whether it be summer or winter. Fossil fuels aren’t a cost factor with heat pumps, and the electrical demand is minimal compared to an AC.
  • Diverse functionality. Heat pumps can heat and cool your home, eliminating the need for extra HVAC equipment. You don’t need an AC unit or furnace, so heat pumps save space and serve several purposes.
  • Clean air. Many homeowners seek out heat pumps because they can improve indoor air quality. That’s because heat pumps have impressive filtration systems that are superior to air filters associated with ACs and furnaces.
  • They are environmentally friendly. The lack of fossil fuels means that you won’t leave a huge carbon footprint with a heat pump. Heat pumps use thermal energy, which doesn’t harm the environment.

Cons

  • Installation can take a while. Depending on your home’s layout, it may be relatively difficult to install a heat pump. This sometimes leads to long installation times, which add to the cost. However, many homeowners find that the energy savings are worth it.
  • They sometimes struggle in extreme temperatures. A heat pump’s performance can sometimes suffer when temperatures plummet drastically. Luckily, modern heat pumps can withstand extreme cold weather much better than older systems.

Are Ductless Heat Pumps Worth It?

Ductless heat pumps are worth it if you want an affordable system that doesn’t require an elaborate installation. As the name suggests, ductless heat pumps don’t rely on air ducts. This not only makes installation easier but also leads to cleaner air than standard heat pumps.

That’s saying a lot considering how even ducted heat pumps are known for clean air. Ductless heat pumps are low maintenance and require yearly cleaning. The lack of ducts means you don’t have to worry about dirt, dust, debris, and pet hair blowing around.

This also helps save money on air duct cleaning, which is necessary every 3-5 years without a ductless heat pump. You can also find zoned ductless heat pumps that let you control the temperature in different parts of the house. Ductless heat pumps are worth it, but only if you keep up with maintenance. 

How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?

Heat pumps typically last at least 15 years. However, they can last 20 to 25 years if you keep up with regular maintenance. That’s especially true of geothermal heat pumps which offer the longest lifespan, although air-source systems are durable as well. 

Your heat pump won’t last as long as it should if you don’t regularly replace your filters every 90 days or as needed. It’s also essential to routinely clean the indoor and outdoor coils. Outdoor coils are especially prone to getting dirty because they’re exposed to the elements. 

Most common heat pump problems are avoidable with routine maintenance. Schedule yearly maintenance visits to keep your heat pump in great shape. An HVAC technician will inspect and clean your heat pump’s indoor and outdoor units to ensure a great performance. 

Find the Right Heat Pump for Your NJ Home

Whether it be an air-source, geothermal, or ductless heat pump, we can help you find the right system. At Rich’s Heating and Cooling LLC, we have years of experience installing and maintaining heat pumps in New Jersey. Installing heat pumps in NJ homes makes us proud as we regularly receive great feedback about the performance and savings. 

You can call Rich’s Heating and Cooling LLC at (732) 433-0068 to ask about heat pumps or schedule an installation.