17 million US homes go without fossil fuels
Seventeen million American households now use heat pumps for heating and cooling, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That’s up from about 12 million in 2018, a shift driven by improved technology and changing incentives.
Heat pumps work by moving heat rather than generating it through combustion. They can deliver up to three times more heating energy than the electricity they consume, making them significantly more efficient than traditional gas or oil furnaces.
“Most, but not all, residential heat pumps are electric.”
“Their adoption really accelerated in 2022,” said Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager at American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning. Local, state, and federal incentives expanded significantly that year, and homeowners became impressed by how much the technology had advanced over the previous decade.
Those programs encouraged people in regions that traditionally relied on air conditioners and gas furnaces to try heat pumps for the first time. Now, even as many initial rebates and tax credits begin to phase out, the perception has shifted, he said.
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What makes heat pumps different from furnaces
Gas furnaces burn fuel to create heat. Their efficiency is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, which shows how much fuel becomes heat. Most new oil furnaces fall between 80 and 90 percent AFUE. Gas and propane units typically reach 89 to 98 percent.
Heat pumps don’t burn anything.
They transfer thermal energy from outside air into the home during winter and reverse the process for cooling. This allows efficiencies above 300 percent, meaning they produce three units of heat for every unit of electricity used.
For people worried about utility bills, the math often works in their favor. Variable-speed systems in particular have improved dramatically, adjusting in increments as fine as one-tenth of one percent to match real-time heating needs.
Installation is usually straightforward
Replacing an existing HVAC system with a heat pump is generally a familiar process for installers. For homes with ductwork, the setup resembles swapping out a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Some older homes may need electrical upgrades or small system adjustments. For homes without ducts, ductless mini-split heat pumps offer a less invasive option that can be installed more quickly. Woodruff recommends working with a qualified dealer who can evaluate insulation, square footage, and local climate.
People also have flexibility in system design. They can choose an all-electric heat pump or a dual-fuel setup that pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. In colder regions, the furnace automatically takes over during extreme cold, while the heat pump handles milder conditions.
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Smart controls and air quality
Modern heat pump systems can integrate with smart technology.
Communicating systems allow HVAC components to automatically adjust themselves for peak performance. Residents can monitor and control everything from a phone app, with built-in diagnostics that alert them to maintenance needs early.
Zoning systems let users set different temperatures in different rooms.
Humidity control also improves, which helps with dry skin in winter and stickiness in summer. High-efficiency air cleaners can reduce allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander.
Heat pumps pair well with solar panels, further reducing a home’s carbon footprint. They don’t rely on combustion at all, which eliminates the need for natural gas, oil, or propane delivery. The technology has come far enough that even people in cold climates are making the switch. While efficiency does drop as temperatures fall below zero degrees Fahrenheit, hybrid systems provide a backup that keeps homes warm without sacrificing reliability.
