Country / Language select

Understanding Air-Source Heat Pumps: Are They Right for Your Customers?

Installer and Bosch Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) system outside of home

Air-source heat pumps are a growing trend for HVAC systems. With more than half of our homes’ energy going towards heating and cooling (Source 1), the industry and the government are continually looking for ways to offer customers more efficient options to keep their homes comfortable.

Here we’ll discuss what air-source heat pumps are and how they work, some recent trends in the industry and environment, and how Bosch’s inverter technology might be a good fit for your customers and their homes.

What is an air-source heat pump?

An air-source heat pump uses electricity rather than fossil fuels to provide indoor heating and cooling. In warmer months, air-source heat pumps extract heat from inside the home and expel it outside to keep the inside cool. During colder months, the process is reversed. An air-source heat pump in heating mode will extract heat from the outside air and move it inside to warm the home.

What types of air-source heat pumps are there?

  • Ductless vs. ducted vs. short-run ducted: While ductless may be slightly easier to install, ducted are not complicated either. Ducted heat pumps use the existing ductwork in your home. Short-run ducted pumps leverage the ducts within only a small section of your home. (Source 2)
  • Split vs. packaged: The U.S. Department of Energy explains that most air-source heat pumps have one coil inside and one outside (split), where supply and return ducts are connected to the central indoor fan. Packaged pump systems have both outdoor coils and fan and pass treated air inside through ductwork in the walls or roof. (Source 2)
  • Multi-zone vs. single-zone ductless mini-splits: This refers to whether a ductless air-source heat pump is designed for a single room or many. Singles have one condenser outside that corresponds to one indoor head. Multi-zone systems have multiple coils connected to one outdoor condenser. (Source 2)

Which type of system you choose for your customers will depend on their home and climate.

Why should my business take on air-source heat pumps?

The answer is simple: the industry is embracing heat pumps as the future. More resources are going towards accelerating heat pump development and consumer incentives, due to environmental concerns and resulting government regulations at both the federal and state level.

One recent example is the Inflation Reduction Act, which is allocating billions of dollars towards clean domestic manufacturing and energy production. The overall goal is to reducie greenhouse gas emissions. Visit our Inflation Reduction Act page to learn more.

While air-source heat pumps have traditionally been thought of primarily for moderate climates, developments in variable-speed, inverter-driven compressor technology have improved their performance. For instance, cold climate heat pump technology expands the reach of energy-efficient heating via heat pumps even into areas with extremely cold winters. (Source 3)

As an industry professional, it is important to be aware of this evolving landscape. Embracing heat pumps is key to being competitive in this market.

Can I generate more business with air-source heat pumps?

Energy-efficient heat pumps are seeing a surge in popularity among consumers. For instance, in 2020, almost half (45 percent) of new homes in the U.S. used electricity to heat, an increase of around 67 percent in comparison to 2000 (27 percent). (Source 3)

This trend is continuing. According to our market research, the heat pump market is expected to double by 2028 in terms of financial value. (Source 3)

Bosch offers inverter-driven heat pumps at reasonable price options for your business. We have a long-standing commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and while making products, spare parts, and support easily accessible to our customers so that you can focus on growing your business.

Are there incentives available to consumers?

Yes! The U.S. government is incentivizing the switch to energy-efficient heat pumps by offering customers opportunities for tax credits when they install a new energy-efficient heat pump in their home. States offer rebate programs as well. Visit our Tax Credits & Rebates page to learn more.

Bosch Heat Pumps

Bosch heat pumps are highly efficient, electric solutions for heating and cooling residential homes and commercial buildings. Driven by industry-leading inverter technology, Bosch heat pumps are designed for smart and sustainable home comfort. Visit our Bosch Home Comfort Heat Pumps page to learn more.

Sources

Source 1: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/homes.php
Source 2: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-source-heat-pumps
Source 3: https://www.bosch-presse.de/pressportal/de/en/electrifying-homes-america-is-ready-for-heat-pumps-as-main-cooling-and-heating-solution-261440.html