It’s almost always worth it to replace electric baseboard heat with a heat pump. Baseboard heat is expensive, especially in Connecticut, where residents pay some of the highest electricity rates in the country.
As a local heat pump installer in New Haven, CT, our team at New England Smart Energy Group has seen firsthand how replacing electric baseboards with a heat pump saves money and improves comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Heat pumps have many benefits over electric baseboard heat. They’re more energy efficient and can lower your energy bills. They also boost comfort by heating your home more evenly and adding air conditioning.
- The cost to replace electric baseboards with a heat pump can vary widely depending on the type of heat pump you install, the size of your home, and the brand you choose.
- Heat pumps are eligible for rebates that can significantly reduce your installation costs.
What Are the Benefits of a Heat Pump vs. Electric Baseboard Heat?
1. Lower Energy Bills
You can reduce your energy use for heating by as much as 75% when you replace an electric resistance heating system with a heat pump. That translates directly to lower electric bills.
2. Better Heat
Heat pumps heat your home quickly and keep it at a uniform temperature. This is a stark difference from baseboard heaters, which can take forever to warm up a room and heat inconsistently, leading to hot and cold spots.
3. Comes with Air Conditioning
Heat pumps provide heating and air conditioning in one. When you install a heat pump system to replace your baseboard heat, you get better heat in the winter plus AC for the summer. If you’re currently relying on window AC units, this is a major improvement. Heat pumps cool better than window air conditioners and usually cost less to operate.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Heat pumps can be 3-4 times more energy efficient than electric baseboard heating. This is because of the way they generate heat: Heat pumps capture ambient heat in the air and move it to where it’s needed, rather than generating heat. This process uses far less energy, which reduces fossil fuel consumption.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Electric Baseboards with a Heat Pump?
The cost to replace your electric baseboards with a heat pump varies depending on several factors, including the type of heat pump you install, the size of your home, the brand you choose, and any rebates or incentives you qualify for.
Want to know how much a heat pump will cost for your home? Call 203-292-8088 today for a free estimate.
Type of Heat Pump
There are two types of heat pump HVAC systems:
- Ducted heat pumps – Rely on air ducts. If your house does not already have air ducts (most houses with baseboard heat do not), a ducted heat pump will be more expensive because you’ll have to install a central air duct system.
- Ductless mini split heat pumps – Work without air ducts. Ductless heat pumps are typically the most affordable heating replacement option for houses with electric baseboards.
Home Size & Layout
The size of your house impacts heat pump costs. The larger your house, the more heating and cooling capacity you’ll need, which increases the costs.
Make & Model
Like cars, there are many heat pump manufacturers, and they all make several models. Some are higher quality than others, with better efficiency and more advanced features. The make and model you choose will have a significant impact on your final cost.
Rebates & Incentives
You may qualify for heat pump incentives that can make your installation significantly more affordable.
Energize Connecticut℠ offers rebates for heat pump installation to all eligible Connecticut homeowners. If you live in New Haven, CT, and meet income requirements, you may qualify for additional incentives to help with heat pump costs and any related electrical work, thanks to a city grant. By stacking both incentives, income-eligible homeowners can install a heat pump for little to no cost.
There are also affordable financing options available for heat pump installation that spread your costs out over time.
Ready to Replace Your Electric Baseboard Heat?
If you’re sick of never feeling warm enough despite spending a fortune on heating costs, it might be time to replace your electric baseboard heater.
New England Smart Energy Group can help you decide if installing a heat pump makes sense for your home. We’re a local heat pump installer, serving homeowners in New Haven, CT, and throughout the surrounding areas since 2009.
