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Considering a Heat Pump for Heating and Cooling? Here Are Answers to Your Common Questions

Installing a heat pump is a great choice for most people living in Maine, but like any major home improvement, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons. Consider whether a heat pump is the best option for your particular situation, and learn as much about it as you can before you make your final decision.

Valley Home Services has been among the leading Maine heat pump installers for over 40 years, and we’re well acquainted with the types of questions new customers ask. Here are the ones we hear most often about heat pumps in Maine, along with our answers.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Heat Pumps

How do heat pumps work?

A heat pump can heat and cool the whole house by collecting heat from the atmosphere and transferring it into or outside of a structure, depending on the need. In cold weather, it scavenges heat from the outdoor atmosphere (of which some always exists even in sub-zero temperatures), moves it through evaporator coils that absorb the heat, and then transfers it indoors. In the summer, the process is reversed for cooling the home.

What are the benefits of using a heat pump?

Installing a heat pump offers numerous advantages, but chief among them are lower utility bills due to their energy efficiency, a longer life span due to their mechanical simplicity, greater safety because they don’t burn any fuel, ease of maintenance, and environmental friendliness.

Can it be used as a primary heating source in cold weather?

Older heat pumps lost much of their efficiency in very cold weather. However, newer, more advanced models retain much of their efficiency even in subzero temps, and many of our customers use them for their primary heating source. Much depends on the size of the dwelling and how well-insulated it is. However, a backup heat source is always a good idea in Maine.

Are heat pumps expensive?

Right now, a heat pump is one of the most affordable options for heating and cooling your home because of generous tax credits, rebates, and grants offered by the Federal government, the state of Maine, and some specific towns to homeowners installing energy-efficient appliances. These combined can cover much of the cost of a new heat pump in Maine as well as installation. Valley Home Services will automatically apply your credits and rebates to your quote and your final bill.

How long does it take to install?

It depends on your home configuration, your heating and cooling needs, and where you want the units to be placed. We’ll figure out your best options during the consultation. A typical installation takes between four and eight hours.

Is a heat pump difficult to maintain?

Owner maintenance requirements are simply to keep the outside unit clear of debris and change the indoor unit filter when it’s dirty. We recommend an annual inspection, routine maintenance, and cleaning by one of our technicians. Consider opting into our Worry-Free Warranty Program.

Contact Valley Home Services with all of your questions about installing heat pumps in Maine.