Heating and cooling the home accounts for about 44 percent of a home utility bill each month, and therefore uses more energy and costs more money to operate than any other system in the house. Heat pumps are a growing alternative to conventional electric units and a good way to save money. A heat pump can save as much as 30 to 40 percent of the electricity a consumer uses for heating and cooling the home. Both gas and electric heat pumps are available for use. Dr. Frances Graham, a housing specialist for Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said heat pumps are a smart choice for heating and cooling the home.
Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another.
In the winter, the pumps take heat from the ground and air outside and transfer it inside the home. Even cold air contains some heat. The cycle is reversed in the summer months, sending heat from inside the home outdoors and leaving the cooler air inside. Graham said heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heating and cooling in climates such as Mississippi's, providing up to four times more heating and cooling than the equivalent amount of energy consumed. High efficiency heat pumps dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in summer months.