In the summer, the heat pump cools your home by moving (“pumping”) the warm, humid air outside – just like an air conditioner. In the winter, the heat pump's reversing valve switches operations so that it extracts heat from the outside air and moves it into your home.

A heat pump will usually keep up with the entire heating load when the outside temperature is above freezing. When the temperature drops below freezing, your home's furnace (if you have one) will compensate. This combination of a heat pump and furnace is called a dual-fuel system. When a heat pump is the sole heating source for the home – as in many all-electric subdivisions or rural areas – heat pumps utilize electric resistant heating strips for supplemental heat.

Heat pumps are rated just like air conditioners when it comes to cooling efficiency, and are available from 13 SEER to 21 SEER. For heating efficiency, heat pumps are rated by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). Like SEER and AFUE ratings, the higher the number, the greater the efficiency, which translates into greater energy savings. Today's models are required to have a 6.8 HSPF or better.

Heat pumps are ideal for the Midwest climate, as the air exchange capabilities are highly utilized during our long spring and fall seasons. United recommends that a heat pump always be installed with a furnace for maximum comfort and benefit.

United offers Standard, Deluxe and Premium heat pumps.

The benefits of a heat pump to the homeowner are: