The heat pump is gaining traction as more than just a passing trend: It’s a promising solution for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and an outstanding choice for homeowners seeking an energy-efficient option that provides personalized comfort.
While the global market for heat pumps climbs, modern heat pump technology is transforming the HVAC landscape. But how can today’s heat pumps help HVAC contractors serve their customers while growing their business?
A New Era of Heat Pumps
Consider today’s two main types of air-source heat pumps: the ductless mini-split heat pump and the ducted heat pump. Both heat pump systems work by transferring heat energy. The primary difference between the two is that ductless heat pumps can fit in applications without traditional forced air heating and cooling, while ducted products require ductwork to move air and transfer heat.
Whether ductless or ducted, today’s heat pumps are an effective option because they:
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Minimize energy consumption
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Reduce operational costs
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Lower a home’s CO2 footprint
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Provide year-round comfort even in extreme weather conditions
Now, let’s review some of the applications of each type of heat pump.
Applications of Ductless Heat Pumps
Making use of inverter technology, ductless heat pumps provide precise temperature control and increased energy efficiency. Whether single zone or multi zone, these heat pumps consist of an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected by refrigerant lines.
Single Zone (Mini-Split) Heat Pumps for Individual Spaces:
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Ideal for individual rooms or smaller spaces like attics and add-ons
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More efficient and quiet than portable heaters and window air conditioners
Multi Zone Heat Pumps for Multiple Spaces:
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Provide heating and cooling for multiple rooms or zones within a home or building
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Enable different temperatures in each space
Whether built for single or multi zone application, ductless systems provide quiet and efficient operation with a variety of indoor unit options.
Applications of Ducted Heat Pumps
Ducted heat pumps also make use of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by refrigerant lines, but the indoor unit is attached to a centralized system of ducts that distribute air to various rooms or zones.
Ducted Heat Pumps for Larger Spaces and Homes:
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Suitable for larger spaces or entire homes
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Offer uniform temperature distribution throughout a building
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Sometimes preferred for new construction or for retrofitting existing homes with central heating and cooling capabilities
Advantages of Heat Pumps
From government regulations to infrastructure changes, various factors are driving homeowners to shift from fossil fuel technologies to other energy sources. Heat pumps offer a compelling alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems due to their high efficiency and versatility.
Here are some key reasons homeowners may consider switching to heat pumps.
Government incentives and regulations
Policymakers have started to offer incentives in the form of rebates and tax credits for homeowners who install energy-efficient HVAC systems. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law in August of 2022, includes $370 billion in investments targeted at lowering energy costs and tackling climate change. These incentives are a major driving force for current heat pump market growth.
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Part of the IRA, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit states that homeowners who install qualified energy-efficient heat pumps in their homes after Jan. 1, 2023 may qualify for a tax credit up to $2,000 per year. They can claim the maximum annual credit every year that eligible improvements are made until 2033.
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There is also a point-of-sale rebate for people earning up to 150% of area median income that will apply to heat pumps. The rebate has a $14,000 cap.
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A broad selection of Energy Star–certified equipment, such as the GE ducted heat pumps and many GE ductless systems, are eligible for federal tax credits and other rebates.
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The CEE Directory also provides easy access to energy efficient heat pump equipment certified through AHRI that qualifies for CEE's residential and commercial HVAC and water heating initiatives.
There is about a decade to take advantage of these rebates. During this time, contractors can educate customers about specific government incentives supporting the adoption of heat pumps to help see business grow.
Increased energy efficiency
Unlike furnaces or boilers, which generate heat through burning fossil fuels, heat pumps transfer existing heat from one location to another. To heat, they extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it indoors. To cool, heat pumps remove heat from indoors and release it outside. This process can significantly decrease energy consumption, resulting in lower energy bills.
Explaining to homeowners the long-term benefits of energy savings, coupled with initial government tax credits for making the switch, can help customers decide that now is the right time to invest in heat pumps for their home.
Product versatility
Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling capabilities in a single system, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential homes to commercial buildings.
With ducted and ductless options, homeowners can receive heat pump benefits with and without ductwork. However, for homeowners who aren’t sold on replacing their entire system, there is also the option for a dual fuel approach, in which both a heat pump and gas furnace can work together to reap cost-savings benefits.
Reduced environmental impact
Heat pumps transfer heat rather than burn fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil or coal, resulting in lower carbon emissions and reduced environmental impact. Many consumers are becoming more aware of their environmental impact and are willing to pay extra for sustainable solutions.
Benefits of Heat Pumps to Your HVAC Business
As the heat pump market continues to expand and gain momentum, HVAC contractors stand to gain numerous advantages by incorporating heat pumps into their offerings. Here are some key potential benefits your HVAC business could see:
Diversified Portfolio
Adding heat pumps to your list of services diversifies your HVAC business. You'll be able to cater to homeowners looking for energy-efficient and sustainable heating and cooling solutions, expanding your customer base.
Ability to Meet Demand
With factors like government incentives, increased energy efficiency and heightened environmental awareness driving homeowners to switch to heat pumps, you'll be in a prime position to meet the growing demand for these systems.
Product Knowledge and Expertise
By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in heat pump technology, you'll position your HVAC business as an expert resource. Homeowners who are considering the switch to heat pumps will look to you for guidance and trust your expertise.
Increased Revenue
The heat pump market's projected growth means potential for increased revenue for your HVAC business. Heat pump installation and services can become a profitable segment of your business.
Now that you’re up to speed on the uses and benefits of heat pump technology, you may be interested in adding to your HVAC portfolio. Luckily, GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions offers a number of industry-leading solutions that can help take your business to the next level.
Get to Know the GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions Heat Pumps
“When it comes to heat pump performance and innovation, we’re constantly looking for ways to better serve our customers,” said Andrew Twitty, director of product management, HVAC, at GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions. “In 2023, we’ve rolled out some exciting new products that meet new energy efficiency standards.
“These solutions fit into the same spaces where homeowners want to convert their old gas furnaces to an all-electric solution. They’re also a great solution for those who are looking to upgrade from an air conditioner to a rebate-achieving heat pump system while leaving their gas furnace in place for backup heat.”
GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions’ heat pump portfolio includes state-of-the-art technology in both ducted and ductless options, spanning from standard efficiency to some of the most efficient products on the market.
On the ductless side, industry leading high-efficiency performance extends up to 30 SEER2 and 14 HSPF2 while offering up to 100%-rated heating capacity at 5ºF and comfortably warm air down to −31ºF on select single zone models.
As for ducted performance, the Connect Series heat pump performs down to −22ºF with a capacity maintenance of over 90% at 5ºF and up to 9 HSPF2. This means quality performance at lower temperatures and suitability for customers in a broad range of climates. Additionally, operation as low as 45 dB makes these heat pumps some of the quietest on the market.
But it’s not just homeowners who are pleased with our heat pump performance.
“Not only do we have solutions that answer homeowners’ needs, but we also offer easy-to-install and easy-to-service product designs that put the pro first,” Twitty said.
Easy-to-Install Features
Ducted heat pumps
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45-degree service valves
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Removable wire fan guard
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Easy-to-access parts
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Common sized screws
Ductless products
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Mounting bracket
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Extended kickstands
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Easy-to-access parts
At GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions, we are committed to being a trusted partner to contractors on the job, and that starts with listening to their needs.
Our Pro-Centric Approach
Our mission to serve professional contractors is reflected not only in the products we bring to market but also through the solutions and programs we provide that address common concerns of professionals in the field.
For example, system performance during harsh winters or with minimal backup are two of the biggest fears shared by HVAC contractors. But Cory Furkey, an HVAC technician with Rapid City Repair, says that the best heat pumps make these long-held concerns a thing of the past.
“The GE Appliances and Haier heat pumps can run at lower temperatures than other products on the market,” Furkey said. “That gives me a major advantage over my competitors, especially in our colder Canadian climate.
“We recently tested a pilot program with a customer who builds sustainable houses run from a solar-powered generator. In one of his homes, we installed an Arctic Single-Zone Heat Pump that can run on 1,000 watts of power or less. The heat pump runs perfectly off the solar generator without draining its power.”
Heat pumps are part of a more sustainable and comfortable future. Decades after hitting the market, GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions heat pumps are still changing the game.
Are you ready to take advantage of the growing heat pump market? We are here to equip you with the tools, knowledge and innovation needed to thrive in this exciting era of heat pump technology. Explore our heat pump portfolio.