One system, two seasons

An air-source heat pump moves heat to warm your home and can reverse operation to provide cooling. Available designs include systems connected to ducts and ductless indoor units. That makes the existing layout of your house an important part of the choice.

Plan for winter conditions

Ask for the proposed model’s heating output at cold outdoor temperatures, not just its nominal rating. Your home’s heat loss, electrical capacity and backup-heating plan should be considered together. A dual-fuel arrangement combines a heat pump with another heat source, but the controls and equipment must be designed to work together.

Compare running costs carefully

There is no single savings figure that fits every household. Fuel prices, electricity rates, weather, thermostat settings and the existing equipment all affect the result. Bring recent energy bills and explain which rooms need better comfort. Ask for a clearly defined installation scope and an explanation of when backup heat would operate before choosing equipment.