And that one difference is why a heat pump can deliver up to 30 BTU of heat for every watt it draws — even when it's below freezing outside.
A heat pump is a refrigerator run in reverse: it uses a refrigerant and a compressor to gather heat that already exists in the outdoor air and release it inside your home. Because it is relocating heat rather than creating it by burning fuel, it delivers several times more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes.
Even at 5°F, air holds usable heat. Cold refrigerant in the outdoor unit is colder still, so heat flows into it.
Compressing the refrigerant raises its temperature sharply — turning a little warmth into plenty of warmth.
The hot refrigerant passes through the indoor head, a fan blows across it, and warm air fills the room.
Flip the cycle and the same system pulls heat out of your home, giving you air conditioning from one unit.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (version 2) is the current, stricter standard for a heat pump's seasonal heating efficiency. Higher is better; cold-climate units carry the ratings that hold up in Maine winters.
A direct measure of heat delivered per unit of electricity. Top cold-climate units reach up to 30 BTU/watt — several times what any fuel-burning furnace can do.
Coefficient of performance. A COP of 3 means three units of heat per unit of electricity — the everyday way of saying "300% efficient."
Get a free, no-obligation estimate from a registered Maine installer and find out exactly which rebates you qualify for.
Get a quote from BRF Services Maine Energy Services