Central Air Source Heat Pumps

Dollars & Sense

• Rebates: NYS Clean Heat helps you save money on your heat pump purchase.
• Federal tax credits: Cover 30% of the cost for your project, up to $2,000 per year.
• Low-interest loans: Get loans starting at 4% to help finance your project.
• If you heat with oil, propane, or electric baseboards, switching to a heat pump will lower your heating bills.

Benefits & Considerations

• Efficiency: Up to 3 times more efficient than traditional fuel or air conditioning systems.
• Comfort: Gentle, steady streams of warm (or cool) air keep you comfortable — even on the hottest summer days and the coldest winter nights.
• Convenience: Less maintenance, fewer service calls, and no fuel deliveries — and stop lugging those window ACs in and out every season.
• Health & Safety: No combustion or storage of fossil fuels like oil, propane, or natural gas. This eliminates the potential release of carbon monoxide and improves your home’s air quality with added filtration.

Questions for Your Contractor

• Are you a NYS Clean Heat participating contractor with my electric utility?
• What size system do I need, will I need more than one outdoor unit? Ask for room-by-room heating and cooling calculations.
• Can the heat pump you are recommending sufficiently heat my home, or is an additional system needed?
• Is the heat pump you are recommending on the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) cold-climate product list and on the Consortium for Energy Efficiency’s (CEE) most efficient tier for the North/Canada region? In order to qualify for the NYS Clean Heat rebates and federal tax credit the heat pump must be on both lists. Note: It is reasonable to ask your installer for a copy of the spec sheet from both websites.
• What mix of ducted air handlers and ductless “heads” will work best in my home?
• What are my best placement options for the outdoor unit(s)?
• How long will installation take? Where and when will you need access?
• Will I need to update my electric service?
• What maintenance is required? How often should I clean or change air filters? Is annual service needed?
• What is the expected lifespan and warranty?
• How can I make any additional upgrades to my home, such as adding insulation or air sealing, to prepare for a heat pump? Do you have an insulation contractor I can work with?

Find a qualified contractor to help you with your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do heat pumps work effectively in cold climates?

There are a lot of myths out there about the reliability of heat pumps. However, these myths come from outdated information. Today’s cold-climate air source heat pumps available are not the same heat pumps from the past. Modern, high-efficiency cold-climate heat pumps can reliably meet 100% of your heating and cooling needs, even in New York winters.

How much maintenance is required on heat pumps?

Heat pumps require minimal maintenance and eliminate the hassle of scheduling fuel deliveries — and there is no worrying about unpredictable fuel costs. They also last longer than standard heating and cooling systems.

How will I heat and cool my home when the power goes out?

When it comes to heating or cooling your home during a power outage, heat pumps are no different than any other heating and cooling system. Most heating and cooling systems need electricity to start — so when the power goes out, they don’t work either. The good news is that a well-insulated home will maintain a consistent temperature for hours, even when the power goes out — so make sure your home is properly insulated to help keep you comfortable during outages.

Can a central air source heat pump fully replace my current heating system?

Yes, a central air source heat pump can heat and cool in your entire home and replace your existing systems. If you want better control of the temperature in a room, you could add a partial-home heat pumps (like mini-splits) to a central air source heat pump system. Talk to your contractor about the system configuration that will best meet your needs.