Posted: September 14, 2026
There’s a lot of buzz about heat pumps these days. That’s because they’re a great option for more efficient heating and cooling at a time when energy prices keep rising. They work similarly to ductless mini-split systems, but they use ducts, and they are better at delivering heat even in lower temperatures.
Compared to traditional HVAC systems, heat pumps can offer superior energy efficiency, more consistent indoor temperatures, and the potential for meaningful savings over time. The all-in-one system means streamlined equipment and reduced maintenance needs, and they can help you reduce your home’s carbon footprint, too.
Here’s what you need to know.
Instead of burning energy to generate heat, heat pumps move existing heat in the air from one place to another using an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler. In the summer, hot air from inside your home is removed, creating a cooler indoor environment. While it sounds counterintuitive, in the winter, the pump extracts heat from the outdoor air, or the ground, depending on the type of heat pump system you have, and distributes it to your home.
The biggest difference is how heat pumps work with your thermostat. To maximize efficiency when you’re running a heat pump, it’s best to maintain a consistent thermostat setting rather than turning down the heat pump when you are not at home or asleep. The heat pump will need to use more energy to return to your desired temperature than it will to maintain it.
Because heat pumps use electricity to move heat rather than generate it, they’re much more energy efficient than other electric heating and cooling systems. Installed and used correctly, a heat pump can help lower your energy bills across the board.
Heat pumps work extremely well, especially in newer and well-insulated homes, even with our raw New England winters. But in some of our older, draftier housing stock, heat pumps can be less effective as the sole source of heat.
In summer, a heat pump works the opposite way, pulling warm air out of your home. While the recommended efficient setting for cooling with a heat pump is around 75°F to 78°F when you’re home, you should know that heat pumps do an excellent job of dehumidifying.
Humidity, especially in our coastal climate, plays a huge role in how hot and sticky you feel. Reducing humidity means that a higher thermostat setting will feel just as comfortable as a lower one with a traditional A/C. Adding ceiling fans can also boost comfort at higher thermostat settings, letting you save energy without noticing the difference.
A heat pump’s efficiency can really shine during spring and fall, when temperatures generally run between 40°F and 60°F, and it can keep indoor temperatures comfortable without consuming a lot of energy. Compare that to a furnace, which needs to cycle on and off more frequently when the temperatures are milder and fluctuate a lot. That uses more energy and drives higher energy bills. And the latest heat pump models available can handle our deep freezes easily.
Just by nature of its efficiency, a heat pump is more environmentally friendly. But because heat pumps are electric, they produce fewer carbon emissions. And as more and more of the electricity generated in our area comes from renewable sources, or at least cleaner-burning fuels like natural gas rather than coal, they are better for the air we breathe and for the climate.
Because there is no combustion involved, maintenance and repair are also less intensive for these systems.
When it comes to heating and cooling your home, the right system can make a big difference in both comfort and energy costs. The expert team at Atlantic Pratt can answer all your questions and help you find the best solution for your home. That could be a hybrid system that combines a heat pump and a furnace to make your home more comfortable while maximizing efficiency and helping moderate heating costs. We can also help you take advantage of generous rebates through the Mass Save program.
We have extensive training and experience in installing, servicing, and repairing state-of-the-art heat pumps. If you’re interested in exploring adding a heat pump to your home, contact us today!