Geothermal heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners seeking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. These pumps work by extracting heat from the earth or air and using it to heat or cool a home or office.[0] They are highly efficient and can result in significant savings compared to traditional heating systems, with some models capable of reducing energy bills by up to 70%.[1]
One of the most common types of heat pumps is the air source heat pump (ASHP), which pumps heat from the outside air into a building during the winter and removes heat during the summer.[2] ASHPs are particularly popular in New England, where they can provide heating and cooling throughout the year.[2]
While earlier generations of heat pumps struggled in freezing temperatures, recent technological advancements have made them much more effective in cold climates. In fact, some of the coldest parts of Europe, such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland, have the highest shares of heat pump usage, with 60% of households in Norway equipped with these devices.[3]
Heat pumps are also gaining traction as a key climate solution. Governments around the world are increasingly promoting heat pumps as a way to reduce carbon emissions and shift away from fossil fuels.[4] Because heat pumps run on electricity, they can replace gas furnaces and be powered by renewable sources, reducing the amount of methane released into the atmosphere. According to Yannick Monschauer, an energy analyst at the International Energy Agency in Paris, heat pumps could bring down global CO2 emissions by half a gigaton by the end of the decade, which is comparable to the annual emissions of Canada.[3]
In addition to air source heat pumps, there are also geothermal heat pumps that pull energy directly from the earth to heat or cool a home. These pumps are particularly efficient and can provide year-round comfort and energy savings.
Overall, heat pumps are a promising technology for reducing energy bills and combating climate change. As technology continues to improve and governments invest in renewable energy, it is likely that heat pumps will become an increasingly common sight in homes and offices around the world.
0. “Thinking about a heat pump? Here are a few things to consider.” Ensia, 30 Mar. 2023, https://ensia.com/features/heat-pump-inflation-reduction-act-tax-credit/
1. “Here are 5 vital things you need to know about heat pumps” Electrek, 28 Mar. 2023, https://electrek.co/2023/03/28/5-vital-things-heat-pumps/
2. “Heat Pumps vs Traditional Heating Systems: Is New England Ready to Discuss? – Sampan” Sampan, 25 Mar. 2023, https://sampan.org/2023/metro/heat-pumps-vs-traditional-heating-systems-is-new-england-ready-to-discuss/
3. “The new incentive for Americans to get heat pumps as a key climate solution” Northeast Indiana Public Radio, 27 Mar. 2023, https://www.wboi.org/2023-03-27/the-new-incentive-for-americans-to-get-heat-pumps-as-a-key-climate-solution
4. “6 things to know about heat pumps, a climate solution in a box” KCCU, 1 Apr. 2023, https://www.kccu.org/science/2023-04-01/6-things-to-know-about-heat-pumps-a-climate-solution-in-a-box