Air Source Heat Pumps
How do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) offer highly efficient heating and cooling in one integrated system. ASHPs are air conditioners that pump heat out of your home in the summer. They reverse in the winter, becoming heaters that pump heat into your home.
Heat pumps are so efficient because they transfer heat rather than generate it.
What are the Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps?
Air source heat pumps offer many benefits, including*:
Reduced Heating and Cooling Costs:
An ENERGY STAR® certified ASHP provides heating for approximately one third the cost of traditional electric baseboard heating and approximately half the cost of oil heat. Reduced energy usage means lower monthly utility bills for you!
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
On average, ENERGY STAR certified models avoid more than 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over the course of their lifespan compared to standard systems. An ASHP is good for your home and good for the planet!
Less Infrastructure:
In the summer, ASHPs are air conditioners that pump heat out of your home. Then in the winter, they reverse, becoming heaters that pump heat into your home. ASHPs offer highly efficient heating and cooling in one integrated system!
*Source: energystar.gov
Ducted vs. Ductless Mini-Split
There are two types of air source heat pumps: Ducted and Ductless Mini-Split.
A ducted air source heat pump uses existing ductwork in your home to deliver heating and cooling. According to ENERGY STAR, in most climate zones, an ASHP can be installed as a drop-in replacement when either a central air conditioner or furnace needs replaced.
A ductless mini-split heat pump uses indoor units connected to an outdoor unit via refrigerant lines, rather than ductwork. Each indoor unit can provide customized heating and cooling in different rooms throughout your home.
Speak with your HVAC contractor to determine which air source heat pump option is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to ENERGY STAR, many new ENERGY STAR certified ASHPs excel at providing space heating even in the coldest of climates, as they use advanced compressors and refrigerants that allow for improved low temperature performance. Talk to your contractor to choose an ENERGY STAR unit suited to your particular home.
According to ENERGY STAR, ductless system manufacturers offer ceiling-recessed and short-run horizontal, duct-based air handlers, to provide a look some U.S. homeowners are more comfortable with.
How to Start Saving
The Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program offers incentives to help you become more energy-efficient with air source heat pumps.
Select one of the options below to get started:
If you’re a single-family homeowner, you may be qualified for a free energy assessment potentially leading to an upgrade of your heating and cooling system to energy-efficient air source heat pumps.
If you own or manage a multifamily property serviced by Ameren Illinois — we may be able to help you and your tenants start saving on energy costs. Request a FREE Energy Assessment!
If you are a renter at a multifamily property serviced by Ameren Illinois – you can nominate your property for a FREE Energy Assessment.
Multifamily Property Residents
If you don’t qualify for any of the options listed above, you can receive an instant discount on ducted and ductless air source heat pumps from your local contractor through Instant Incentives.
