Are heat pumps really worth it in cold weather? Part 2
About a month ago, I made a post asking for help and information about whether to replace my home’s 20+ year-old furnace with heat pumps. I’m grateful to everyone who commented and shared their thoughts and experiences. I read all the responses, even if I didn’t reply, so here’s my answer short and long versions.
Are heat pumps really worth it in cold weather?
Yes… but also no.
Let me explain.
My project was for a single-family home in Boston, 1,300 sq ft, good insulation in all floors (confirmed), semi-finished basement, and triple/double-pane windows less than 10 years old. Since the house already has ducts, I thought installing heat pumps would be straightforward for both heating and cooling, I was really looking forward for the AC for hot days like yesterday, when it hit 103 °F.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Yes, very efficiently, 3 or 4 times more than a traditional heating systems, there are studies about that, but the problem is, it heavily depends on : 1- the home’s precondition (insulation, windows) and 2. Who installs them and how.
Some people commented and questioned the system and how reliable they are, some others mentioned the electric price in MA (30 -35 cents), but for me.....
The BIG problem was : pricing and contractors.
Over the past month, I read testimonials, used heat pumps calculator, and reviewed studies. I sought recommendations for contractors in MA and got not ONE or TWO, FIVE, i got FIVE separate evaluations and project proposals, and honestly, disappointed.
The five proposals were very different, with questionable costs. I asked for estimates for heat pumps only and for a hybrid system (based on some suggestions). My shock when I saw the prices ranged from $18,000 to $50,000, and each contractor proposed a solution based on what they thought was best, ignoring my requests.
Three contractors said “they could use the existing ducts and complete the work within a day”. But two of them rejected using the ducts for heat pumps, claiming “they were old and unsuitable.” Those same ones recommended mini splits and dismissed my suggested solutions from the previous 3 other contractors, warning that the current ducts would cause condensation in summer. The said replacing the ducts would add about $20,000 to the project, and just told me to move with mini splits.
Each contractor criticized the others. Any questions I asked (based on what the others told me they would do) were met with responses like, “I’ve been doing this for 10–20 years, I know what I’m doing,” or “The other contractors don’t know these stuff.” One even claimed HVAC contractors meet behind closed doors to keep prices in a profitable range and then had the audacity to send me the most expensive proposal: $47,000 for four mini split heads and a condenser, without even checking the house’s electrical load.
After talking to all contractors and comparing opinions, I have so many doubts that I don’t know who to trust.
it’s either:
- You’re sending a proposal without identifying potential barriers or future problems.
- You’re sending a proposal ignoring future problems, just chasing the payment.
- You’re sending the easiest installation proposal.
Any of these options is bad.
So yes, while heat pumps are efficient, finding a skilled and honest contractor in My area is a real pain in the.... Prices are also ridiculously high, making potential future savings minimal compared to a gas furnace and condensing unit.
This process has been frustrating, discouraging, and disappointing. My last option is to contact manufacturers directly and see what they recommend. If not, I’m seriously considering getting my HVAC certification and doing it myself. The good thing is that I might get my own data on annual KWh and Therms and use it later if I upgrade to heat pumps.
So, good luck to anyone looking to install heat pumps and thanks for reading. Part 3, Maybe. In a year