Heat Pumps Pledged to Quadruple in U.S. by 2030

The U.S. Climate Alliance recently pledged to quadruple the amount of heat pumps in the U.S. by 2030. This pledge is part of a larger decarbonization initiative to get carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. Net zero means that the eliminated greenhouse gases have canceled out the amount that we have produced over time.

What is decarbonization?

Decarbonization is essentially the removal of carbon from the environment. Carbon releases into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels. Greenhouse gas emissions come from almost every part of the economy: transportation, power generation, homes and businesses, and more. So, for decarbonization to occur, energy reform must happen on an individual and collective scale.

By using alternative, renewable energy methods such as wind, solar, and geothermal power, buildings emit less greenhouse gases. Using electric power and investing in energy efficient home upgrades are the best ways to contribute to decarbonization.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps provide “clean heat” to homes. Clean heat comes from renewable resources and is nonpolluting. Instead of burning fossil fuels, heat pumps use electricity to move heat in and out of buildings. By combusting no gas, they improve the air quality in and around buildings.

They also use less electricity because they don't expend energy to heat something like a coil. Instead, they just use energy to extract hot or cool air from outside and transfer it inside. Heat pumps are up to three times more energy efficient than traditional furnaces and resistance heaters. They are great replacements for both heaters and air conditioners because they can act as both.

What are the different types of heat pumps?

There are three main types of heat pump systems: air source, geothermal, and ductless (mini-split).

Air Source

Air source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump. Connected to ducts, they transfer heat and air from the outside into the house and vice versa. They use up to 50 percent less energy than alternatives like furnaces and baseboard heaters.

These heat pumps have been around for many years, but predominantly operated in milder climates. But recently, their technology has improved and now allows them to generate heat in areas with harsher winters. They also dehumidify better than central air conditioners, making them better options for cooling in the summer months.

Geothermal

Geothermal heat pumps take heat from the ground or a nearby water source and transfer it inside. They do this by using a ground loop, which extends pipes to an underground level where temperatures are consistent year-round. A thermally conductive fluid runs through the pipes, capturing energy to heat or cool your home. This allows them to use the earth as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer.

There are many advantages to geothermal heating. They use anywhere from 30 to 60 percent less energy than other heaters and are great controllers of humidity.

While they cost more to install, they are durable, reliable, and are the most energy efficient. They can fit in any home that has the landscape capabilities for installation. Geothermal heating and cooling is cost-effective in the long run and the pumps require little maintenance.

Ductless (Mini-split)

Mini-split heat pumps are great retrofit or add-on heating systems for houses with “non-ducted” heating systems like hydronic and space heaters. Because they are ductless, they avoid the energy losses that central forced air conditioners typically suffer from. They are easier to install than other heaters and are great solutions for spaces where ductwork is not accessible. Their flexibility and small size make them ideal for heating and cooling individual rooms.

The Pledge

The U.S. Climate Alliance consists of 25 state governors whose goal is to eliminate carbon emissions. Buildings are responsible for more than 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. So, quadrupling heat pump installations is one of many actions they’re taking to lower their carbon emissions.

Currently, there are about 4.7 million heat pumps working in the United States right now. While that amount seems large, only about 16 percent of all U.S. homes have energy efficient heating systems. This is largely because of the cost; heat pumps currently cost more than gas furnaces and resistance heaters. So, despite being more cost-effective in the long run, home and business owners are still hesitant to make the switch.

To combat this, the IRA created incentives like tax credits and rebates to encourage switching to energy efficient heating. Under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, when you install a heat pump, you can qualify for a 30% tax credit. With this new pledge, the Climate Alliance expects to put more of these incentives and energy standards in place.

And the U.S. is already seeing growth in energy efficient improvements. Heat pump sales surpassed gas furnace sales for the first time last year. The aim is to reach 20 million heat pumps installed in U.S. homes by 2030. Beyond that, it is the hope that heat pumps will become the standard for all heating and cooling in buildings.

Big Picture

What this pledge means for the future of America is widespread building electrification. By meeting this goal, the use of fossil fuel heaters will become obsolete. Buildings no longer using fossil fuels for energy will have an enormous impact on the environment. Air quality will improve and the lessening of carbon emissions will combat the causes of climate change.

The economic impact will be substantial as well. Heat pumps lower energy costs and save money on the commercial and individual household level. They can alleviate the energy burden for low-income households and decrease energy bills across the board.

The overall benefits of upgrading fossil fuel heaters to heat pumps are undeniable. Quadrupling installations is not an unrealistic goal and will only improve the environmental state of the country. With the U.S. Climate Alliance backing this pledge, America is accelerating towards an energy efficient future.