What is a Heat Pump?

A Heat Pump is an all-in-one electric based heating and cooling system. Heat Pump systems are made up of two parts: an indoor handler and an outdoor condenser. These two units are connected through an insulated copper refrigerant line. A refrigerant is a chemical that shifts between a liquid and a gas to effectively move heat from one location to the other. This means that a Heat Pump works as a heater in the winter and as air conditioning in the summer. 

Are Heat Pumps Loud?

No, Heat Pumps are not loud. They do make noise while operating on a similar level to a refrigerator. If there is a malfunction they can become loud, but they are not loud while working as intended.

Do Heat Pumps Work Below Zero Degrees? 

Yes, heat pumps do function below zero degrees. Older generations or heat pumps were made for warmer climates and struggled when outdoor temperatures dropped below freezing, but new models are honed to function well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. 

Mitsubishi was the first brand to crack the problem and ever since many other brands have followed. All Heat Pumps do have a minimum temperature, but that is now typically between around -13 and -15 degrees fahrenheit. However, if it drops below the minimum, the system will just work sub optimally, and will not break.

How Long Does a Heat Pump Last?

Heat Pump systems last around the same amount of time as an Oil Furnace or any other heating system, around 15 - 20 years. 

What's the Best Brand of Heat Pump? 

While all brands have their pros and cons, Mitsubishi and Fujitsu separate themselves from the rest. Mitsubishi has a long history and good reputation for amazing customer service. They were also the first brand to crack the cold weather Heat Pump and most of their current models function down to -13 degrees. Fujitsu models tend to be a bit cheaper than Mitsubishi and their cold-weather units operate efficiently down to -15 degrees. This being said, brands like Carrier and others still make good products that may be the best fit for you and your home.

Do Heat Pumps Work with Ducts? 

Yes! If you already have existing ductwork in your home, it can significantly cut the installation cost of a Heat Pump. A Heat Pump Air Handler will be attached to the ductwork and will operate like any other heating system. 

Do Heat Pumps Work without Ducts? 

Yes! If you do not have a duct system, you can get a type of Heat Pump called a Mini-Split that is more efficient than a ducted system but it does often have a higher installation cost. 

Are Heat Pumps More Efficient Than Oil, Natural Gas, or Electric Resistance heat?

Heat Pumps are more efficient than oil-based heating. Efficiency in this case refers to operating cost, not environmental efficiency or anything else. Heat Pumps are also considerably more efficient than Electric Resistance heating. Heat Pumps are roughly equal to Natural Gas heating. Which one is specifically cheaper will depend on a variety of factors such as home layout, ductwork, and geographic location. 

Are Heat Pumps More Environmentally Friendly than a Furnace?

Yes! Heat Pumps produce less greenhouse gas emissions than most other forms of heating. Heat Pumps are also less likely to cause a disaster, such as fire, or gas leak that can harm the surrounding ecosystem.

How expensive is a Heat Pump?

The average single- zone system costs several thousand dollars, but which model and type you buy can drastically change the amount. An air source or mini-split Heat Pump will be the cheapest. All Heat Pumps have high installation costs, as they are complex systems, but are cheaper to operate which will save you money in the long run.

Additionally, local, state, and federal incentives could reduce the total cost to as little as $0.

Are Heat Pumps Safe?

Heat pumps are one of the safest forms of heating. Oil furnaces are a fire risk and Natural Gas can lead to gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning, while Heat Pumps are no more dangerous than any other electric appliance. 

What Rebates are Available for Heat Pumps in Massachusetts?

• Your Local Community Action Council 100% off Income Eligible Program: If your household is under the median range of income for your city, then they will cover the cost of Installation. Use this link to find your local community action council, Home - MASSCAP.

• MassSave® $16,000 Enhanced Heating and Cooling Incentive: If your household is within the median range of income for your city, then you will get a $16,000 rebate after installation. Installation costs vary depending on a variety of factors such as the size and layout of the home. In many cases, this rebate covers much of the cost.

• MassSave® $10,000 Whole-Home Rebates: If your household is above the median income for your city, then you will get a $10,000 rebate after installation.

• MassSave® Partial Home Rebate: which is $1,250 per ton (12,000 BTUs) of capacity up to $10,000. This rebate is designed to work with your original heating system instead of replacing it. If you have a single room that needs help heating or cooling, this could be an excellent investment. The BTU capacity is a number calculated by the manufacturer of the unit being installed, so you’ll know that number before you buy the system.

What’s the federal tax credit?

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the United States Government is offering a $2,000 tax credit. The credit is for 30% of the total installation cost, up to $2,000. Most installations will qualify for the entire $2,000 Federal Tax Credit.

What Financing Options Are Available for Heat Pumps?

MassSave® is offering an interest-free loan for Heat Pump installation because they want as many people to switch as they can. The loan max is currently $25,000 over a 5 year term. 

Are Heat Pumps Worth it?



While we can’t give you a definitive answer, if you’ve read this far then it most likely is at least worth a call. You can reach us at Modern Energy at 508-449-0449. You can also check out more blogs on our website for more general information. Modern Energy has been in the HVAC industry for years and has become one of the leaders in Massachusetts. Let us use our expertise to answer your less frequently asked questions!