A Heat Pump is a cooling and heating system which operates in an efficient and cost saving way. It is a form of the technology we have used for years in our home refrigerators involving refrigerant and compression of air. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How a Heat Pump Works – This Old House
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey instructs Kevin O’Connor on the basic principles of how a heat pump works.
Different types of Heat Pumps are available to offer the maximum energy efficiency. Heat Pumps operate on a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) 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 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) 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 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.
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.
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.
Net Zero Energy Case Study – Paul and Joanne Coons
Check out this example of a Clifton Park home with geothermal and solar.
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 to find out what is best for you and your home. After finding the right services for you, this tool will bring you to the general NYSERDA installer list. We suggest you use this for information gathering and then come back to this site to be put in touch with our local vetted contractors.
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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