A Heat Pump is a form of cooling and heating system that is much like traditional systems, but operates in a more efficient and cost saving way. While Heat Pumps and traditional air conditioning systems operate similarly when cooling the air, it’s the added ability to produce heat that makes Heat Pump systems stand out.
When cooling, Heat Pumps operate much like any cooling system. They pull hot air from inside your home or business and pass it through refrigerated coils. After the coils cool the air, it is blown back into your home or business. The difference is in the heating factor. Heat Pumps can absorb heat energy from the air, even in freezing outdoor temperatures, and transfer that heat back inside.
Different types of Heat Pumps are available to offer the maximum energy efficiency. Heat Pumps operate on a SEER rating. SEER ratings are much like miles-per-gallon and measure how much energy it takes to produce cool air. When heating, Heat Pumps use an HSPF rating; the higher the rating the more efficient a system is. There are many different types of systems that can be used to ensure your home or business has an efficient solution. HeatSmart Capital Region works with heating and cooling professionals who offer No- and Low-Cost Energy Assessments to find the best system for each home or office.
HeatSmart Capital Region has identified multiple efficient and cost saving Heat Pump systems that are perfect for Capital Region home or business owners. In addition, the program offers solutions for air sealing and insulation. Check out NYSERDA’s Heat Pump Planner here or the resources below to find what’s best for you.
Answer the questions below and then use the chart to review some of the options that may be the best fit for your home.
What kind of home do you have? There are a variety of systems available that work in several types of homes.
Do you have forced-air heating? If your home currently has ducts for heating or cooling, these can often be reused for ducted heat pump systems. No ducts? No problem. There are many ductless options for heat pumps. Additionally, multi-zone systems can combine a variety of ducted or ductless indoor heating/cooling distribution systems from a single outdoor heat pump unit.
| Home Type | Existing Ductwork | Ductless |
|---|---|---|
| Two Story | Ducted Air Source [PDF] | Ductless Air Source [PDF] |
| Ground Source (Geothermal) [PDF] | Multi-zone Air Source [PDF] | |
| Multi-zone Air Source [PDF] | ||
| Single Story | Ducted Air Source [PDF] | Ductless Air Source [PDF] |
| Ground Source (Geothermal) [PDF] | Multi-zone Air Source [PDF] | |
| Manufactured | Ducted Air Source [PDF] | Ductless Air Source [PDF] |
| Townhome | Multi-zone Air Source [PDF] | |
| Flat (Within Townhome) | Ductless Air Source [PDF] |
If you don’t see an example you are looking for on the chart, try looking at a similar house type. For example, there is no townhome example with existing ductwork, but you could look at a two-story home with ductwork to see that option. You may want to review other home types to see different heat pump options and always work with an installation contractor to design the best system for your home.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal, or ground source heat pumps (GSHP), are electric appliances that provide heating and cooling by moving heat into a building (for heating) or out of a building (for cooling).
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps (ASHP) are electric appliances that provide heating by moving heat into a building and cooling by moving heat out of a building.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) are electric appliances that heat water by absorbing heat from the air and moving it into a storage tank, as opposed to generating heat through burning fossil fuels or resistance heating.
How Does at Heat Pump Actually Work?
Want to take a deep dive into the technology and understand how heat pumps actually do their job? Check out this video.
This Old House Explains Geothermal in Albany, NY
Check out this video of This Old House, featuring an Albany geothermal install. Learn about the technology, drilling, and cost, and why New York is a great spot for geothermal.
Net Zero Energy Case Study – Paul and Joanne Coons
Check out this example of a Clifton Park home with geothermal and solar.
Geothermal Case Study – The Octogan Barn in Berne, NY
Check out this video of a Dandelion geothermal install at the Octogan Barn in Berne, NY. Owners Russ and Amy Pokorny talk about their system.
Geothermal – Energy We Can All Agree On
Check out this video from Geothermal for All, a non-profit educating about the technology in the United States. Even those that can’t get behind climate sciencecan get behind behind the savings associated with geothermal.
HeatSmart Capital Region – Presentation to Sustainable Saratoga – 8/25/2020
If you are considering a new heating or cooling system, looking to save energy in your home, or simply wondering what you can do to help address climate change, this campaign is for you! In this video, Todd Fabozzi, Director of Sustainability with HeatSmart Capital Region and John Ciovacco with Aztech Geothermal discuss air source and ground source heat pump technology, and describe if it’s right for your home.
Greening Your Home with Heat Pumps
From February 8, 2022 – HeatSmart Capital Region with Tara Donadio explaining the newest information on air source and ground source teat pump technology for the North Chatham Library’s Live and Learn Series.
Heat Pumps: Heating & Cooling Systems Fact Sheet(opens in new window)
Ground Source Heat Pumps Fact Sheet(opens in new window)
Air Source Heat Pumps Fact Sheet(opens in new window)
HeatSmart Capital Region Summer Flyer(opens in new window)
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