Electrify Your Home with Sustainable Home Technology

Electric heat pumps offer an efficient option for home heating and cooling.

Many household appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters and stoves, are being electrified. New, energy efficient technologies are available that utilize electricity powered by a greener grid, allowing you to reduce your carbon footprint.

 

How heat pumps can heat (and cool) your home

If you are looking for an alternative to a traditional HVAC system, heat pumps may be an option.

Heat pump technology has been around since the 1850s. It is used in refrigerators, freezers and air-conditioning units. In simple terms, heat pumps move heat from one area to another. During the cooler months, heat pump systems extract heat from the outside air or ground and move it inside to heat a building. In the warmer months, the system works in reverse, moving heat outside.

There are two primary types of heat pumps available: air-source and ground-source (also referred to as geothermal). Air-source heat pumps extract heat from the air, whereas ground-source heat pumps extract heat from the ground. Heat pumps can be ductless, with units installed on interior walls, or ducted, with units connected to existing HVAC ducts. This article focuses on ductless models. Stay tuned to future Energy 2050 Together newsletters for a look at ducted models, or learn more about heat pump technology at mge.com.  

 

Cold-weather climate considerations

Air-source heat pumps are used in nearly all parts of the U.S. but less often in areas that experience extended periods of sub-freezing weather. Technology has advanced, however, and some heat pumps may offer an alternative way to heat your home. Depending on location and level of insulation, a backup heating source also may be recommended.


Ductless heat pump benefits

  • For homes with radiators or electric baseboard heat, heat pumps can be installed without the added expense and disturbance of adding venting. For those looking for an alternative to window air-conditioning units, this can be a good option.
  • They can be used for both heating and cooling purposes, reducing the need for two different types of equipment.
  • Heat pumps typically have a long lifespan, require low maintenance and are powered by electricity, reducing their environmental impact and using less electricity than conventional electric heating sources. Some even contain air filters that remove harmful particles from inside air, providing an added health benefit.


Installation incentive from FOCUS ON ENERGY®

Focus on Energy has partnered with participating contractors to provide instant discounts starting at $300 on energy-saving heat pumps. Visit the Focus on Energy website to learn more and to find a list of contractors to contact to discuss heat pump installation and how to get the Focus instant discount.

 

Still have questions?

MGE’s Energy Experts are here to help! Email our Energy Experts at AskExperts@mge.com or call the MGE Home Energy Line at (608) 252-7117.
 

published: Sep-16-2022