Heat Pumps Becoming a Hot Item in Cold Climates
BOSTON—Once an expensive add-on that did not work well in cold climates, heat pumps have benefited from a technological makeover, according to a Boston Globe article. The new generation of machines can keep a home warm even in extreme conditions as low as –20°F (–29°C). Although they are powered by electricity, which is usually a very expensive way to heat a home, the new heat pumps are so efficient that they cost much less to run than a conventional oil heat system. Many utility companies offer rebates to help soften the installation costs. Sales have been climbing steadily over the past few years since manufacturers have improved components such as refrigerants, compressors, and heating coils. Modern cold-climate heat pumps can generate two to three times as much heat as an electric boiler or a baseboard heater, using the same amount of electricity.
