How Heat Pumps Work
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Unlike conventional, less efficient heating and cooling systems, electric heat pumps draw heat from the environment and move it indoors to heat or move it outdoors to cool a home. There are three main types of heat pumps: air source heat pumps, geothermal (ground source) heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters (hybrid water heaters). Heat pumps require electricity to run but deliver more energy than they use by concentrating and moving heat rather than generating it. These newer, more advanced technologies are designed to work well and keep you warm even through New York winters.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air outside and distribute it inside your home. During warmer months, this process is reversed to provide cooling by pulling heat out of your interior space. Learn more about air source heat pumps.
Geothermal (Ground Source) Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground source heat pumps, extract heat from the ground during cold weather via an underground pipe system, which is then distributed throughout your home. During warmer months, the process is reversed to provide cooling. This system is the most efficient type of heat pump and will do all of the heating and cooling in your home. Learn more about geothermal heat pumps.
Heat Pump Water Heaters (Hybrid)
Heat pump water heaters, also known as hybrid water heaters, are a highly efficient way to heat water, using electricity to pull heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to water enclosed in a tank. These water heaters are up to three times more efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters since they use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. Learn more about heat pump water heaters.