Heat Pumps

If you’re considering replacing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you might consider replacing your unit with a heat pump. Heat pumps have long been a popular choice with homeowners in warmer climates in the US, but thanks to advances in heating technology, they are gaining popularity across the Midwest —including here in Ohio.

CarrierOhio is here to easily connect you to your closest Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, no matter where in Northern or Central Ohio you live ... including the Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Elyria, Mansfield, Mentor, Sandusky, and Youngstown areas. You’ve undoubtedly heard the Carrier name —it’s become one of the most trusted names in HVAC, having served homes and businesses across the country for more than a century.

Find the Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer in your neighborhood.

What Is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?

Unlike a gas furnace, electric heat pumps do not rely on combustion to generate warmth: they transfer heat to make your home comfortable.

A heat pump operates like an air conditioner does in the summer. Your AC uses a refrigerant to extract heat from the air inside your home, and transfers it to the air outdoors.  Conversely, in heating mode, your heat pump uses a refrigerant to extract heat from the outdoors, and brings it indoors —even in cold temperatures.

There are a few other things to know about heat pumps and the types that are available:

  • Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) transfer heat to and from the outdoor air and are the most common models found in homes.
  • Geothermal Heat Pumps extract heat from underground or a water source, such as a pond. Geothermal systems cost more to install than air-source heat pumps, but can reduce energy use by 30 to 60 percent , according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
  • Heat Pumps use air ducts, so if you already have a furnace in your home, switching to a heat pump is just a matter of removing your old equipment and installing your new unit with minimal impact on your home.

The DOE estimates the typical homeowner in Ohio can save up to $500 a year on energy bills by switching to a heat pump. Plus, you can use your heat pump to heat water, further improving your savings.

Do Heat Pumps Work Well in Cold Climates?

Yes! You may have heard that heat pumps don’t offer much help heating your home in cold temperatures. That may have been true years ago, but thanks to massive improvements in heating technology, the new generation of cold-climate heat pumps can provide 100% efficiency in heating your home —even when the outdoor temperature drops to as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit ... this makes them a practical (and economical) choice for homes across Ohio.

If you are worried about extreme temperature drops —like during a polar vortex— you can also pair your heat pump with a furnace. This combination allows you to have robust heat during the coldest days using the furnace, while switching to the heat pump on the more common moderate days throughout the winter. What’s better —is that your heat pump also serves as your AC unit for use on warmer days. This dual-fuel strategy can save you hundreds of dollars in heating costs.

Along with keeping you cozy, a high-efficiency heat pump will improve your home's indoor air quality (IAQ) and offers whisper-quiet sound performance throughout the year.  Your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer can help you assess the options that are available, and find the one that’s best for your comfort, your home, and your budget.

What Are the Environmental Benefits of Using a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps don’t rely on a fuel source to generate heat. That means they significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and your home’s carbon footprint. Energy efficiency is the primary reason that there are many state and federal financial incentives available to purchase a heat pump. Your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer will let you know what energy tax credits and rebates are available based on the model you choose.

Are Tax Credits Available to Purchase a Heat Pump?

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law in 2022. This law set out to promote energy-efficient homes and lifestyles, and offers homeowners a tax credit of up to $2,000 on heat pumps available through 2032. The IRA expects to roll out an income-based rebate program in 2024 that offers up to $8,000 for heat pump purchases to qualifying households.

Your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer will provide you with the most up-to-date information on the available tax credits based on the model you choose, and can also help you find other money-saving rebates offered through the State of Ohio or your local municipality.

Heat Pump Installation and Replacement

No HVAC system is "one-size-fits-all". Your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer is there to take comprehensive measurements of your living space to ensure that the equipment that is installed is sized properly for your home. This will not only ensure that your heat pump will operate at peak efficiency, but that it will last as long as possible. The dealers of CarrierOhio undergo rigorous training to ensure they have the expert knowledge to complete any installation, and are also trained to bring a friendly demeanor to every service call.  They will always provide you with an up-front estimate and warranty all work performed in your home. Additionally, they will provide you convenient financing options and maintenance plans to make sure you maximize the value of your HVAC investment.

Heat Pump Repair

There’s never a convenient time to lose the heating or cooling in your home —and unfortunately, it usually happens at the worst possible time when the temperatures are most extreme. Luckily, CarrierOhio has a large network of dealers across Ohio to lend a hand when you need a repair. If you’re noticing any of the following issues with your heat pump, it’s probably time to schedule a repair:

  • Strange smells or noises
  • Short cycling
  • Frost layer on the outside of the unit (freeze-ups)
  • Patchy hot or cold spots inside your home
  • Unexplained increases in your energy bill

Your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer will thoroughly inspect your unit, and will always keep you informed before beginning a repair. Not only will you be informed of the issue, but also the plan to fix it, and how much it will cost. And if it’s one of those not-so-convenient times, your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer offers 24/7 emergency repair services to get your system back up and running quickly. Find the Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer in your neighborhood.

Heat Pump Maintenance

If it is properly maintained, your heat pump should run efficiently for approximately 15 to 20 years. However, your system will get heavy use in more extreme temperatures, especially if it runs year-round for both the heating and cooling in your home. That’s why seasonal maintenance is a must for ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Here are some of the many things your specialist will do during a checkup:

  • Clean condenser coils and condensate drain
  • Check for safe refrigerant levels
  • Inspect and tune up electrical connections

Here are some of the many things your specialist will do during a checkup:

  • Clean condenser coils and condensate drain
  • Check for safe refrigerant levels
  • Inspect and tune up electrical connections

Make the Switch to a Heat Pump

If you think a heat pump is the right solution for your home, your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer can help you make the switch when you’re ready to replace your system.  Find the Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer in your neighborhood.