Is your gas or oil boiler on its way out? Or, are you concerned about its performance and want something that’s more energy efficient? Either way, a heat pump is an excellent boiler replacement option to consider.
At Kearney HVAC, we install heat pumps and mini splits from Mitsubishi Electric Heating & Air Conditioning, which are designed for use in colder climates and are the best heat pumps for cold weather, making them a great option for homeowners from the North Shore of Massachusetts to New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region.
Heat Pumps vs. Boilers
Before making any major decision about your home’s HVAC system, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of every option. Let’s take a look at how oil and gas boilers compare to heat pumps.
Efficiency
Heat pumps work by transferring heat that already exists from one place to another, rather than generating it. In the winter, they extract the small amount of heat that’s present in the outdoor air and use it to heat your home. In the summer, they draw heat out of your indoor air and send it outside. This is a much more efficient process than the combustion system that boilers use to generate heat and can help you save on energy costs.
Lifespan
Boilers and heat pumps have similar lifespans, and both can be expected to last for 10-20 years with proper maintenance.
Maintenance
Like any type of HVAC equipment, heat pumps and boilers need regular maintenance in order to perform. However, if you have a boiler in place, you probably also have an air conditioner, since boilers can only heat, not cool, and you’ll have to have both systems serviced regularly to keep them functioning well. Heat pumps, on the other hand, both heat and cool your home, eliminating the need for an air conditioner. This means you only need to maintain one system, which can help you save on maintenance costs.
Safety
When fuel is not burned completely by a boiler, carbon monoxide is produced. Boilers are equipped with ventilation systems to carry CO outside, but there is always the risk of a leak. Heat pumps are electric and do not burn fuel, which makes them safer to operate.
Installation
Mini splits, a type of heat pump, are ductless, which means they don’t need to be attached to your home’s ductwork in order to operate. This makes ductless mini split heat pumps easier and more affordable to install. It also allows you to add heating and cooling to hard-to-reach spaces like your garage or sunroom.
Environmental Impact
Because they run on electricity, not fossil fuels, heat pumps can help you reduce your carbon footprint. As more and more homeowners make the switch, heat pumps have the potential to dramatically reduce global carbon emissions.
Is Heat Pump Installation Right for Your Home?
Heat pumps outperform boilers in almost every way, but every home is different, and what works for one homeowner may not be the best choice for another. At Kearney HVAC, we’ll help you find a heating solution that makes the most sense for your needs and budget.
Want to save on energy efficiency upgrades? Massachusetts homeowners may be eligible for a Mass Save heat pump rebate worth up to $10,000. Kearney HVAC is a qualified Mass Save contractor and can help you get your rebate!
