July 2026 EnergyWiseSM Tip: Heat Pump Facts
July 2026 EnergyWiseSM Tip: Heat Pump Facts
By: Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer
According to data from the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, more U.S. homes purchased heat pumps than traditional gas furnaces combined with central air-conditioner (AC) systems for the last four years. Though sales in 2025 declined nearly 500,000 units from 2024, heat pump systems still outsold traditional central furnace/air-conditioning combinations 4,122,000 to 3,247,000.
To achieve this level of popularity, heat pumps have had to overcome several misperceptions and falsehoods. Here are a few accurate descriptions of today’s modern heat pump:
Heat pumps work really well when it is “real” cold
According to Consumer Reports, “Heat pumps can work almost anywhere if carefully chosen and properly installed.” The misperception that heat pump systems can’t handle Nebraska’s harsh winters is simply not true. Though they are installed with back-up heating systems, those only operate during the most extremely cold hours of the year. The heat pump itself, with efficiencies two-to-more-than-five times greater than their back-up systems, can satisfy the
overwhelming majority of heating requirements during the year.
Heat pumps are for both heating and cooling
Some people think a heat pump can only move heat from outside to inside a home or building. But in fact, air-source heat pumps operate like a central air-conditioning unit in the summer by removing heat from inside. They also appear nearly identical to a central air-conditioning unit. Unless you know that both refrigerant lines that attach to the outdoor unit are insulated for heat pumps, whereas only one of the lines to a central air conditioner unit is insulated, you probably will not know the difference.
Heat pumps have few maintenance issues
Most heat pump performance issues are caused by installation errors, improper sizing, airflow problems, or control settings, not by faulty equipment. Correct design, commissioning, and maintenance are critical to ensuring they can provide high levels of efficiency for years to come.
Heat pumps blow warm air out of the vents
Gas furnaces can blast air around 130°F to 140°F for a few minutes before turning off. But heat pumps gently blow warm air at 85°F to 95°F for longer periods to provide more consistent temperatures throughout the home or building. Because human body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, this airflow can feel cool against your skin. To prevent this sensation, avoid sitting or standing directly in the path of airflows from vents.
In partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, your local public power provider wants to help you efficiently heat and cool the spaces where you live in. To learn more about high-efficiency heat pump systems and EnergyWiseSM incentives to reduce the costs of efficiency improvements, contact your local utility or visit www.energywisenebraska.com.
