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09/14/2023 09:13 AM

Considerable Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps


I am writing today to share a bit more information about the North Haven Clean Energy Task Force’s (CETF) upcoming campaign to help our neighbors enjoy the considerable benefits of installing an air source heat pump (ASHP) to keep their homes comfortable year-round.

ASHPs are a sustainable heating and cooling alternative that can significantly benefit our wallets and the environment. These remarkable systems can extract heat from ambient air and transfer it elsewhere–either into our homes (heating!) or out again (cooling!)—while minimizing electricity consumption. In fact, by finding heat that already exists in the air, heat pumps enjoy efficiency levels above 100%!

Heat pumps work in the same way as your freezer: even at -9°F, your freezer can still find some “heat” to pull out and keep itself cold. Heat pumps also find “heat” in the cold, but can run both directions: finding “heat” outside in the winter and bringing it in, or finding “heat” indoors in summer and passing it back outside. Heat pumps even work as far north as Maine or Alaska, so we can rest assured all winter long.

The first advantage of air source systems lies in their potential to deliver substantial financial savings. By utilizing the freely available air as a heat source, they can reduce heating and cooling costs by over 50%. My family expects to save nearly $2,000 this year on heating oil alone! As energy prices in North Haven continue to soar, heat pumps offer a stable and budget-friendly way to stay comfortable year-round.

The second huge benefit of this year-round system is its reduced carbon footprint. By reducing electricity demand for the same level of comfort, we can collectively lessen the burden on power grids while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a win-win for our wallets and the fight against climate change!

To learn more about heat pumps and North Haven, please check out the CETF’s website at www.heatsmartct.org/northhaven. You can also learn about other programs like the Home Energy Audit to help reduce heating bills today or to contact the CETF’s qualified ASHP installer partners Onofreo Home Comfort Systems, Air, Inc.; and AM Solutions, LLC.

I hope this helps all of my neighbors make an informed home heating choice to save money on heating and cooling while helping to fight against climate change. Please reach out to me or the North Haven Clean Energy Task Force on our website to learn more or connect with us.

Finally, we hope to see you on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the North Haven Recreation Center for a town-wide community forum on heat pumps in North Haven, led by energy experts and our very own Mr. Mike Freda, First Selectman.