The Importance of Load Minimization with Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are rapidly becoming the cornerstone of efficient, low-carbon heating and cooling.  In fact, heat pumps have been outselling traditional gas furnaces for the past four years, and the margin continues to expand.  But to get the best performance from this technology, one critical factor stands out: load minimization.

Load minimization means reducing the overall heating and cooling demand of a building before sizing and installing equipment. This involves strategies like improving insulation, sealing air leaks, upgrading windows, and designing efficient ventilation. By lowering the building’s energy needs first, you allow the heat pump to operate at peak efficiency.

In the cold-weather climate of Colorado, most designers also call for supplemental electric resistant heat to cover the potential gaps that a heat pump cannot deliver during extreme cold events.  When the supplemental heat kicks on, the house's electric bills increase.  If the thermal envelope keeps the loads low, the amount of time the system uses supplemental heat is reduced.

• Smaller equipment sizes → lower upfront costs.
• Lower operating costs → increased affordability for homeowners.
• Better comfort and durability → more consistent temperatures and longer system life.
• Reduced emissions → enhancing the environmental benefits of electrification.

The proliferation of heat pumps is not going away.  They perform more efficiently, produce far less greenhouse gas, and are safer in the home than a gas appliance.  As we work through the transition from gas to electric, builders must incorporate high performing building envelopes to realize cost savings, reduced warranty expense, and higher homeowner satisfaction.  Your rater and HVAC designer are your best source to demonstrate how to reduce loads in your buildings so use them.