In recent years, there has been a growing trend in the U.S. toward the electrification of homes, which often includes replacing gas furnaces with electric heat pumps. This trend is being driven by a variety of factors, including government mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as advancements in technology that have made heat pumps much more efficient in colder climates.
However, heat pumps operate differently than gas furnaces, and it is not always as simple as replacing one type of equipment with another. The first part of this series will highlight some of the alterations needed for heat pump retrofits, such as modifying ductwork and upgrading electric panels. These modifications can add complexity and expense to the system, so contractors should consider them carefully to ensure that their customers are happy with their new heat pump.