Install a Heat Pump for space heating and cooling

Avoid 4-8 Tons of carbon emissions per year

If your gas furnace is more than 10 or 12 years old, or if you are feeling the need for AC, you may want to install a super efficient heat pump to reduce the amount of gas you use for heating, or eliminate gas entirely. We have identified trusted contractors to work with who have lots of experience with Heat Pump installations - be sure to ask your installer if the equipment they are recommending will qualify for IRA tax credits before you purchase!

“We love our new heat pump furnace! The temperature in the house is far more consistent than it was previously, and Jo and I have been blown away (no pun intended ;-) by how remarkably quiet the new system is.” Ernest and Johanna, Portland OR

Scroll down to find our list of recommended contractors

Things to know about Heat Pumps for space heating and cooling.

• Efficiency: Heat pumps are 2 -3 times more efficient than electric resistance heating or gas furnaces. This is why these devices are an economic and environmental benefit. Electric resistance heating should be avoided except for very limited uses.

• Cold Climates: Modern heat pumps are plenty capable of heating homes in even the coldest parts of the country like Vermont. If you live in a cold climate, be sure you are getting one of these high efficiency units to avoid gas or propane backup heating.

• Reliability: This technology is decades old and proven. Heat pumps will come with good warranties and are very reliable when installed by reputable contractors.

• Insulation and weatherization: Heat pumps will work better in homes that are adequately insulated. Be sure to ask your contractor about this if you are concerned that your home may need weatherization or if your ductwork is old and potentially in need of attention.

• Air Filtration: Ducted systems can be installed with 4 inch filters which are very effective at removing dust, smoke and other particles from you indoor air. Because the systems tend to run more continuously, you should have cleaner indoor air this way. Be sure to ask for a 4 inch filter - 1 inch filters are not effective. Ductless systems do not filter air well and you should look for separate stand alone air filters - they are not expensive.

Questions to ask your HVAC contractor

In order to help make sure you get the right system for your home, use this checklist of questions as a guide to talk to your contractor to make sure you are working with the right contractor and that you are getting the equipment that is best for you.

If you are a renter or want to reduce your gas use

Check out this fact sheet on Portable Heat Pumps, or watch our webinar on Portable Heat pumps as a low cost way to reduce your use of gas, warm up a cold room or provide summertime cooling.

For more info on Heat Pumps, watch our webinars with industry experts

Learn about Cold Climate Heat Pumps and how they are being used in Vermont and other areas with cold winters and how they could work for your home.

Watch our recorded webinar on Central Heat Pumps to learn about ducted heat pump systems, how they compare in cost and performance to gas systems, tips to make your home more energy efficient and much more.

Watch our recorded webinar on Ductless Heat Pumps to learn about super high efficiency “mini splits” and where they are most applicable

Watch our recorded webinar and product reviews on Portable Heat Pumps to learn about these low cost window vented units that are great for supplying cooling and supplemental heating for individual rooms or small apartments. If you are not yet ready to get a whole house heat pump - this could reduce your use of gas and keep you cool!

Recommended Contractors

We highly recommend the suppliers below. We do not have any formal relationship with them, nor do we get any payments from them. We know they are professional and reliable and that the products they sell and install are industry leading. Be sure to mention that you found them through Electrify Now in order to qualify for discounts.