Are Variable Speed Heat Pumps Worth It?

Heat pumps are the most energy efficient home heating and cooling systems available. Variable speed heat pumps make efficiency, along with comfort, and qualities like durability and indoor air quality, even better. Variable speed heat pumps adjust the heating or cooling output seamlessly, avoiding power-heavy cycling on and off and large temperature swings in your house.

If you’re considering a new heat pump for your heating and cooling, the advantages of a variable speed heat pump are worth considering.

What Are Variable Speed Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps heat and cool by transferring thermal energy (heat) from outdoor air to indoors or from indoor air to outdoors. Heat pumps can be air-source or ground-source, or geothermal, heat pumps. Compared to other heating and cooling systems, heat pumps are the most energy efficient, typically delivering 200%-400% heating or cooling output compared to the energy used.

Variable speed heat pumps can precisely adjust their heating and cooling output, speeding up or slowing down to stay consistently near the set temperature. A variable speed heat pump is worth it in many homes and properties as they are even more efficient than other HVAC systems, including single-speed heat pumps. 

Variable speed heat pumps have variable speed compressors, variable speed fans, and advanced sensors. They generally run for longer cycles, but at lower power, and avoid cycling on and off frequently, which uses more power.

Advantages of Variable Speed Heat Pumps

If you’re already using or considering switching to a heat pump, you’re probably already looking for improved comfort and efficiency. In many cases, a variable speed heat pump optimizes those same benefits. Here are the main advantages.

• Comfort: One main purpose of a variable speed heat pump is consistent temperature control. You should get a very steady temperature throughout your home; without warmer or cooler areas or rooms.
• Efficiency: Variable speed heat pumps generally consume less energy, resulting in a savings of about 25-50% on energy bills compared to standard heat pumps, and even higher savings compared to other heating and cooling systems. 
  The Tennessee Valley Authority and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy did a study of new variable speed heat pumps in 24 homes and found the participants reduced overall home energy usage by 25% and saved $500 a year on average.
• Indoor air quality: Longer, more consistent running cycles leads to more consistent airflow and air filtration throughout a home. 
• Quieter running: The compressor and fans run at a lower power and are quieter most of the time. 
• Longer lifespan: Less turning on and off and less running a full capacity puts less strain on the system over the years. The expected lifespan of a variable speed heat pump, with proper maintenance along the way, is 15-20 years. This is a few years longer than the expected span of a standard heat pump.
• Environmentally friendly: By using less energy, a variable speed heat pump gives you the comfort you need and can reduce your home’s carbon footprint and effects on global warming.

How Much Does a Variable Speed Heat Pump Cost?

The purchase price and installation costs of a variable speed heat pump vary a great deal. The total cost generally is $10,000-$25,000 according to a range of industry websites. This is typically a higher upfront cost than a single-speed heat pump. An HVAC installer should help you weigh the balance between upfront expense and the projected gains in efficiency, comfort, and other benefits.

Home size and layout, system size, system ratings like SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings, your area’s climate, local labor costs, and if extra work such as ductwork and electrical work all factor into a project cost. Additional features or components, such as an auxiliary heating source, a smart thermostat, and additional sensor technology, can add cost, too.

If you’re thinking about a home heating and cooling upgrade, you have plenty of options to consider. A heat pump lease with Palmetto LightReach may be a great fit. With no money down, you get a new heat pump with maintenance and installation included for predictable monthly payments. You can start today by using our HVAC advisor tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a variable speed heat pump worth it?

A variable speed heat pump gives users long-term energy savings, better comfort, and other benefits such as better indoor air quality and less energy usage. Your area’s climate, your usual heating and cooling usage, the upfront cost, and any additional  work or renovations for a new system are key factors to consider.

Are variable speed heat pumps more efficient?

In most circumstances and settings, variable speed heat pumps are more energy efficient single-speed heat pumps and other heating and cooling systems. 

Does a variable speed heat pump work in the cold?

Yes, cold climate heat pumps are a type of variable speed heat pumps specifically designed, tested, and certified to work with full efficiency in very cold conditions and climates. Heat pumps are used in all 50 U.S. states and areas north of the Arctic Circle.