Is The Cost Of Adding Heat Pump In Seattle Worth It

The Seattle climate is temperate, with only a few days a year when the temperature dips into freezing cold or gets very hot. Summers are relatively dry, and the winters are cool and wet. Given this environment, a heat pump in Seattle is a good investment for the city’s residents. But what is a heat pump, exactly? Is it better to have a heat pump vs. a furnace? We’ll answer those questions and more below. Keep reading for a full explanation, or jump to the section you’d like to learn more about.

What Is A Heat Pump & How Does It Work

Boilers and furnaces burn fuel to create warmth, but heat pumps don’t actually generate heat. So, how does a heat pump work? Well, they move and transfer heat from one place to another within your home to keep the temperature comfortable. Since heat pumps don’t generate heat or burn fuel, they are much more energy-efficient compared to furnaces and boilers.

During warm days, a heat pump moves the uncomfortably hot air out of the home and transfers it to the outside environment. And on cooler days, the heat pump transfers warmer air from outside and pulls it into the home to warm it up. They also provide homeowners with humidity control and air conditioning.

Heat pumps are suitable for areas with moderate cooling and heating needs. So, in the battle between a heat pump vs. an HVAC system featuring a furnace or a boiler, space conditioning costs less with a heat pump in temperate climates.

How Much Does A Heat Pump Cost

Pricing for a suitable heat pump in your home has many variables, including your location, type of equipment, and size of equipment, among others.  An experienced estimator can help find what fits your needs and budget.

Heat pump costs can be impacted by the variables below:

  • Efficiency rating of heat pump
  • Capacity/power of the heating system
  • Any modifications or retrofitting of your existing HVAC system
  • Electrical reworking/rewiring
  • Permits
  • Installation expenses
  • Labor

When you’re installing your new heating and cooling system, you’ll likely have to replace much more than the unit itself. For example, you might need new equipment parts, new ductwork, condensate drainage (if necessary), an outdoor pad, a drain line, a thermostat (if your old one isn’t compatible), and snow legs to keep the unit off the ground. With that said, it’s important to consult with an HVAC professional to get their equipment recommendations. Consulting with a professional will also help you anticipate any major construction or renovation needs for a heat pump installation that might impact your day-to-day living.

Although a heat pump is a significant investment, it can make a big difference in your utility bills because it replaces both the air conditioning unit and furnace simultaneously. Technology advancements make a heat pump in Seattle — or any other temperate-climate region — a better alternative for a central heating and cooling system.

Heat Pump ROI In Seattle

As you can see from the costs mentioned above, adding a heat pump to your Seattle home is a major financial commitment. While the gap in the price of an air conditioning system and a heat pump is not substantial, the benefits of installing a heat pump increase over time. It’s estimated that in three years’ time, homeowners in Seattle would be able to recoup the price difference between an air conditioning system and a heat pump through energy savings.

Maybe at this point, you’re wondering, “How long do heat pumps last?

A new heat pump, with proper maintenance, can last for about 15 years on average. Routine maintenance can help extend its lifetime and avoid any major heat pump repairs. This means that your investment would have an ROI of 25%.

Is The Investment Worth It

Heat pump benefits don’t simply stop at making your home more comfortable. It’s a practical expense considering the weather and environment in Seattle, where the need for heating and cooling isn’t extreme. A heat pump in your Seattle home will provide you with reliable comfort in winter as well as in summer.

Reasons Why Adding A Heat Pump In A Seattle Home Is A Solid Investment

A heat pump in Seattle functions as a heater and air conditioner. You’ll feel comfortable all year round from a single unit. It’s true — having a heat pump in Seattle is very convenient since you don’t need to install a separate furnace to keep you warm on those rainy winter days. The unit is also smaller, saving you precious floor space.

It’s energy-efficient. A heat pump is perfect for Seattle homes. The city of Seattle has a temperate climate, which suits the system very well. A heat pump uses a small amount of electricity to move heat, and yet it’s able to generate enough heat to keep your home comfortably warm. Its air conditioning process consumes a small amount of power to reverse the natural flow of cold or heat away from your home. For every kilowatt of electricity consumed to move its mechanical parts, it generates heat of up to three kilowatts. According to a U.S. government study, a family of four using a heat pump will have savings on their heating bills of up to 30%.

It increases the value of your home. Because of its popularity, having a heat pump in Seattle is a valuable addition to your home. Both space-saving and energy-saving, these units can be a deciding factor for homebuyers in Seattle.

Types Of Heat Pumps

Many homeowners across the United States realize the benefits of adding a heat pump to their homes. In fact, it is the most common alternative to installing two separate units to provide warm and cold air. The cost of electricity used to operate the heat pump might increase, just like the other prices of commodities and utilities. However, the price is not as volatile as the price of propane, oil, or gas. It’s also possible to get a $1,500 tax credit when a homeowner in Seattle installs a heat pump.

Several types of heat pumps are available in the market. If you can’t decide or if you’re not sure, you can call Fischer Heating and consult with our licensed technicians for expert advice.

Geothermal Heat Pump – A geothermal heat pump is one of the most energy-efficient cooling and heating systems. This type of heat pump is suitable for any climate, especially in those areas where the demand for heated or cooled air is higher due to the prevailing climate. Likewise, the installation cost of installing a geothermal heat pump is the highest.

Air-Source Heat Pump – An air-source heat pump is almost the same as a central air conditioning system but has more parts. It pulls in heat from the indoor air through a refrigeration process and blows heated air outdoors during summers. In winter, it does the reverse and draws air from the outdoors, converting it into heated air to be distributed around the home.

Heat pumps in Seattle require professional installation. To avoid the risk of losing the benefits you’ll get from the heat pump, call our heat pump experts at Fischer Heating. We can provide you with the right type of unit suitable for your home. And the expertise of our licensed technicians to correctly install the unit. Call us at 206-202-9499 or contact us to see the heat pump models we carry.