Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps use electricity to transfer energy between indoor and outdoor air. Because they move heat rather than generate heat, these systems consume far less electricity than electric furnaces, baseboard heaters or space heaters.

In cooling mode, the heat pump functions like an air conditioner, moving heat from inside to outside the home. In heating mode, the refrigerant flow is reversed to extract low-temperature heat from outdoors and deliver concentrated high-temperature heat to the home.

A centrally-ducted air source heat pump system is typically used when ducts are already available throughout the home (for example, when replacing an existing furnace and central air conditioner).

A multi-head ductless mini-split system is typically installed when there is no existing ducting or if the homeowner wants zoned control of individual rooms (main living area or bedrooms).

A single-head ductless mini-split system is often installed when trying to heat and cool a specific area of the home, such as add-on rooms, that weren’t ducted.

Heating efficiency for air source electric heat pumps is indicated by the heating season performance factor (HSPF). This is the total space heating required during the heating season, expressed in Btu, divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the heat pump system during the same season, expressed in watt-hours. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the unit.

Cooling efficiency is indicated by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). It is determined by the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season, expressed in Btu, divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the heat pump during the same season, expressed in watt-hours. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air source heat pump.

Air source heat pumps qualify for the D1.1 CoolCurrents® rate, helping you to save even more. CoolCurrents is DTE’s interruptible air conditioning rate that can help customers save significantly on the energy used by an air source heat pump. Rest assured, we do not interrupt service during the heating season (October through April).

DTE Energy does not sell or install air source heat pump systems. Customers must have a licensed, independent, electrical contractor install the wiring for a separate D1.1 meter. Please see the Electric Pricing Options page for enrollment instructions and additional information on the D1.1 CoolCurrents rate.

For more details about air source heat pumps, see the Air Source Heat Pump page on the Department of Energy website.

With an air source heat pump rebate from DTE Energy, you can start saving right away. To raise your heating and cooling efficiency even more, be sure to check out our Ways to Save page.