Heat Pump Energy-Savings Guide

Air-Source Heat Pumps Move Heat 

Are you considering switching to a heat pump? Or do you already have a heat pump and want to learn how to get the most out of it? We created this guide to help.

Air-source heat pumps offer a more efficient, year-round solution – using approximately 50% less than energy than electric furnaces. How? Air-source heat pumps move heat between your house and the outside air rather than generating heat like an electric furnace or baseboard heaters.

 

Winter Heating

In the winter, the heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside air and bringing it inside your home. (Yes, there is heat in the air even when it’s really cold outside.)

An illustration of a house with a heat pump showing how heat is absorbed from the outside air and brought inside

Summer Cooling

In the summer, the heat pump does the reverse by extracting heat from inside your house and pushing it outside to keep your home cool and comfortable.

illustration of a house showing how a heat pump removes heat from inside a home and pushes it outside

 

Heat Pumps Save Energy

By moving heat instead of generating it, you use less electricity and lower electric bills. Chelan PUD customers who install an air-source heat pump save, on average, 20% of their annual energy costs compared to heating with an electric resistance furnace. That savings adds up over the 15+ year lifespan of the heat pump!

Here’s the key: Energy savings can only be achieved if you use a heat pump the way it is intended (and it’s pretty simple!).

Watch our short video, The Heat Pump: A Better Way to Heat and Cool Your Home, to see how modern heat pumps work efficiently to keep your home comfortable year-round.

 

Can a Heat Pump Work in Freezing Temperatures?

Modern heat pumps work well year-round, even in the freezing temperatures we see here in Chelan County. In fact, today’s cold-climate heat pumps can absorb heat from outdoor air in temperatures of 10°F or lower. If the temperature drop is too much for your heat pump to handle, it will automatically switch to the built-in backup heat to maintain comfort.

If your home has an older heat pump, it may not perform as efficiently in extremely cold weather. In that case, upgrading* to a newer cold-climate model can make a big difference in both comfort and energy savings.

For the best performance, check with your heat pump manufacturer to learn your system’s temperature limits, and ask your HVAC technician what temperature cutoff they set for your backup heat to come on.

*Please note: Chelan PUD heat pump rebates are for eligible customers converting to a heat pump for the first time.

Illustration of a house in winter

 

Common Types of Heat Pumps in Chelan County

The most common types of heat pump systems found in Chelan County are ducted systems and ductless “mini split” systems. Both use the same outdoor unit. Modern heat pumps are typically side discharge units, but some are in the traditional box shape.

Illustration showing a house with a ducted heat pump system

Ducted Air-Source Heat Pumps

The most common type of heat pump in our area is the ducted system, using ductwork connected to an air intake handler that centrally distributes air throughout the home. If you currently have an AC unit with ducts, you can convert to a heat pump and still use your same ductwork – your contractor will replace your old furnace and outdoor unit.

The indoor unit serves as backup auxiliary heat if the heat pump can’t keep up in extreme cold temperatures and it’s designed to kick in automatically if you have your thermostat programmed properly (more on that later).

Illustration showing a house with a ductless heat pump system

Ductless "Mini-Split" Heat Pumps

Ductless heat pumps are an ideal option for homes without ductwork, offering an efficient alternative to baseboard heating.

A wall-mounted head unit is placed in each zone that you’d like to heat (and cool) within your home and refrigerant lines run to the outdoor unit. Mini-split heat pumps are a flexible and highly efficient solution for heating and cooling.

 

How Can I Tell if I Have a Heat Pump?

For ducted systems, it can be difficult to tell what type of heating system you currently have in your home because outdoor AC units and older box-shaped heat pump units can look similar to one another. Here are a few things you can do:  

  • Does the outdoor unit run in cold weather? If so, you have a heat pump. 
  • Does your thermostat have an option for “E-heat” or “Aux Heat” setting? If so, then you likely have a heat pump. These settings kick in backup heating when temperatures drop too low for efficient heat pump operation.  
  • Is the outdoor unit elevated on a stand or risers? Heat pumps need to be elevated in our area to properly function in winter, so this can sometimes indicate that it is a heat pump. 
  • Does your outdoor unit have a reversing valve when you look into it? If so, you have a heat pump. The reversing valve is what lets your heat pump unit switch between heating and cooling modes — you won’t find this in standard air conditioner units. 
  • Can you see a manufacturer’s label on the outdoor unit? If so, you can look up the manufacturer name and product model number online to learn more about what it is. 

Still unable to tell? Call an HVAC technician to schedule a system tune up and learn more about your current system. 

 

 heat pump rebates graphic

Chelan PUD Rebates Help You Convert to a Heat Pump 

Chelan PUD offers cash-back rebates for customers who are converting their home to a heat pump for the first time. The homeowner is able to save money now and for years to come with more efficient heating and cooling and saving energy helps Chelan PUD keep rates affordable.

Explore Rebates

 

 

heat pump illustration with

 

Heat Pump Tips

Your heat pump is a highly efficient heating and cooling system. Unlike the quick blasts of hot air from a furnace, a heat pump provides a steady, gentle flow of warm air in winter and cool air in summer to keep your home cozy.

1. Check your thermostat settings

For best efficiency with a ducted system, set your thermostat to “Auto” mode. Your heat pump will automatically use backup heat only when needed during extreme cold. With a ductless system, adjust the settings with each unit to switch to "Heat" in winter and “Cool” mode in summer.

2. Avoid “Emergency” and “Auxiliary” heat settings

Skip the Emergency (E-Heat) or Auxiliary (Aux) modes on your thermostat unless it is a true emergency and something has happened to your outside unit. These settings turn off your efficient heat pump and rely solely on the backup furnace, which uses much more electricity and can cause high bills.

Illustration of a smart thermostat set to
Illustration showing a smart thermostat set to 70

3. Keep temperatures consistent

Heat pumps work best when maintaining a steady temperature. Avoid big temperature swings—changing more than 2-3 degrees at once can trigger backup heat. Make gradual adjustments instead.

4. Run your heat pump year-round 

Use your heat pump for both heating and cooling. Running it consistently helps it operate more efficiently and reduces wear and tear caused by starting and stopping. If temperatures drop too cold for your heat pump to handle, it will automatically switch to the built-in backup heat to maintain comfort.

5. Maintain clean air filters

Check, clean, or replace air filters monthly – or more often during wildfire smoke events. A dirty filter restricts airflow, reduces efficiency, and can lead to costly repairs.

6. Keep vents and ducts clean

Make sure air registers are open and clear of dust or furniture. Clean ducts periodically to keep airflow strong and system efficiency high. Chelan PUD offers a rebate for residential duct cleaning.

Illustration showing a house with a ducted heat pump system
Illustration showing a heat pump in winter and summer

7. Clear the outdoor unit

Keep the outdoor unit free from snow, leaves, and debris. Ensure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance around it for good airflow. Install a snow deflector that still allows air to circulate.

8. Expect frost and defrost cycles

When it's below freezing, the outdoor coils may develop a thin layer of frost. The heat pump will automatically defrost itself. Water may drip under the unit, so avoid placing it near walkways.

9. Manage airflow in your home

Depending on the type of heat pump you have, you can help manage the airflow in your home for greater efficiency. For ducted, central air heat pumps, keep interior doors open so air can circulate. For ductless (zonal) systems, close doors to rooms that are not in use.

10. Schedule professional tune-ups

Have your system inspected by a licensed and certified HVAC technician every 1-2 year. Regular maintenance keeps your heat pump running efficiently and helps prevent costly repairs.

 

a man with a caulk gun and text

Weatherize for a More Efficient Home

Help reduce energy loss and stay more comfortable by reducing drafts, sealing air leaks, and improving insulation. Even small improvements can save energy!

  • Seal air leaks around windows, exterior doors, and where pipes or wires enter your home using caulk, spray foam insulation, or weatherstripping. Air leaks force your heating system to work harder, wasting energy and money.
  • Add attic insulation if your levels are below what’s recommended for our area. Attics are the most common places homes lose heat.
  • Reduce heat transfer through windows by installing thermal curtains and in winter you can apply an inexpensive solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) film.

Seal Air Leaks

 

person with question mark inside word bubble

Questions?

We're here to help! Talk to a Chelan PUD energy advisor with the Customer Energy Solutions team.

Call (509) 661-8008 or send an email.