Buying a Heat Pump in 2023
Thinking about buying a heat pump in 2023? It’s a great time to do so, especially if you live in the Pacific Northwest.
The Oregon Department of Energy is launching two initiatives this year designed to lower the cost of purchasing a heat pump. In addition to local incentives, you can claim a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 on a qualifying air-source heat pump through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Start learning more about heat pumps today: Carrier Northwest can connect you to a network of licensed Carrier dealers in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and other parts of the Pacific Northwest.
Connect with a Carrier dealer in your neighborhood.
Heat Pump Advantages
With a typical household energy bill of around $1,900 annually nationwide, installing a heat pump can help rein in rising utility costs.
How does a heat pump work? In the warmer summer months, your heat pump works just like a standard air conditioner, using a compressor and refrigerant to absorb excess heat and moisture in your home and transfer it outdoors.
A heat pump also keeps you comfortable in the winter, using the same process in reverse to extract heat energy from the outdoors and transfer it into your home. Even when the temperature drops below freezing, there is still some amount of heat energy in the air.
Unlike a conventional furnace or boiler that converts heat from a fuel source, a heat pump moves the heat from one location to another. Doing so uses a lot less energy. An ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump is so efficient it can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes.
And because they create fewer greenhouse gas emissions, heat pumps are considered more environmentally friendly than standard HVAC systems. Creating an eco-friendly generation of HVAC appliances is the driving force behind the IRA initiative.
They’re also becoming more popular. In 2022, more heat pumps than furnaces were sold in the U.S. for the first time, according to statistics from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
New Heat Pump SEER2 Ratings
New residential heat pumps must have a SEER2 rating of 14.3 or higher in all regions of the country. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is used to indicate how efficiently a heat pump or air conditioner produces cool air.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled SEER2 ratings in 2023. The updated testing procedure more accurately reflects real-world conditions for HVAC systems, giving you a better picture of your energy costs. The higher the SEER2 rating, the more efficient the cooling system. That translates into higher savings for you.
Do Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather?
Yes, they do! With advanced compressors and refrigerants, high-efficiency heat pumps can provide total indoor comfort even when the temperature plummets. Certified cold climate heat pumps test well even when temperatures dip down to 5° Fahrenheit.
Is a Heat Pump a Good Investment in the Northwest?
Absolutely. With their versatility and variable operating speeds, heat pumps offer a practical heating and cooling solution for homeowners in any part of the country.
Are you ready to replace your old equipment? Carrier Northwest can connect you to a Carrier dealer that can remove your standard heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and retrofit your home with a high-efficiency air-source heat pump.
A heat pump can work with the existing ductwork in your home. Or you can install a ductless heat pump—also known as a mini split—that pairs an outdoor unit with an indoor air handler. Historic homes without ductwork are perfect candidates for mini splits.
All these reasons make it worth your time to learn more about heat pumps and how they can benefit your home.
Find Out Why a Heat Pump Is the Right Choice for You!
Pay less in utilities and enjoy a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Carrier Northwest can help you find a Carrier dealer near you to install a heat pump in your home.