The Benefits of Heat Pumps for Commercial Facilities

18 Aug.,2025

 

The Benefits of Heat Pumps for Commercial Facilities

As energy costs continue to rise, businesses are starting to prioritize energy-efficiency by finding cost-effective heating and cooling solutions for their facilities. One technology that’s gaining popularity is the heat pump—an innovative system that provides both heating and cooling in one, all while offering great energy efficiency.

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Our team at Mazza Mechanical specializes in bringing advanced HVAC solutions like heat pumps to commercial properties, helping facility managers lower operating costs and enhance overall building performance.

What is a Heat Pump & How Does it Work for Commercial Facilities?

A heat pump is a system that moves heat from one place to another instead of generating heat. During colder months, it extracts heat from the air, ground or water outside and transfers it inside the building to warm it. In warmer months, it works in reverse, removing heat from the building and releasing it outside to keep the inside cool.

In commercial settings, heat pumps offer a streamlined solution for both heating and cooling. Instead of using different systems for heating and air conditioning, one heat pump can handle both, making it a more efficient and space-saving option. These systems come in different forms—such as air-source, geothermal (ground-source) and water-source—allowing building owners to choose the best fit for their building’s needs.

Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings

One of the biggest advantages of heat pumps is their energy efficiency. Traditional heating systems, like furnaces and boilers, generate heat by burning fuel, which uses a lot of energy. In contrast, heat pumps simply transfer heat, requiring much less energy to operate.

For large commercial buildings, this can result in massive energy savings. In fact, heat pumps can reduce energy usage by up to 50% compared to conventional HVAC systems. This translates to lower utility bills, which means more money saved over time.

Additionally, people recognize heat pumps for their high efficiency, often providing up to four times the amount of heating or cooling energy they consume. With these energy savings, commercial property owners can improve their bottom line while also contributing to a greener future.

Heating & Cooling in One System

Another major benefit is that they provide both heating and cooling in one integrated system. For commercial properties, this means less equipment to install, maintain and repair. Facility managers only need to focus on one system, making day-to-day operations easier and more efficient.

This dual functionality also saves space, as there’s no need for separate heating and cooling units. In commercial settings like office buildings, retail centers and industrial facilities, having one system handle both heating and cooling simplifies the building’s layout and reduces clutter.

Environmentally Friendly & Sustainable for Businesses

In addition to saving energy, heat pumps are environmentally friendly. They produce fewer carbon emissions than traditional HVAC systems because they don’t rely on burning fossil fuels. This reduction in emissions makes them a more sustainable choice, helping businesses meet their environmental goals and reduce their carbon footprint.

For companies seeking green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), installing a heat pump can help meet sustainability criteria. Renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, can also power heat pumps, further reducing their environmental impact and increasing a facility’s energy independence.

Enhanced Comfort & Indoor Air Quality

Heat pumps offer more than just energy savings—they also improve comfort inside commercial buildings. Heat pumps maintain a consistent temperature and control humidity levels, creating a comfortable indoor environment year-round.

Additionally, heat pumps improve indoor air quality by filtering and circulating air more effectively than traditional systems. This helps reduce allergens, dust and pollutants, creating a healthier space for everyone inside the building.

Low Maintenance & Long Lifespan

Since they have fewer moving parts and don’t rely on fuel combustion, heat pumps are less likely to experience breakdowns or require frequent repairs. This makes them a reliable choice for commercial buildings, reducing the likelihood of unexpected downtime and lowering maintenance costs.

When properly maintained, heat pumps can last up to 15-20 years, providing a long-term heating and cooling solution. Mazza Mechanical offers comprehensive maintenance services to ensure that your heat pump system runs smoothly throughout its lifespan, helping you avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Cost Incentives & Rebates

Beyond the energy savings and reduced maintenance costs, heat pumps can also qualify for various financial incentives. Government programs, local utility companies and even some states offer rebates, tax credits or grants for businesses that install energy-efficient systems like heat pumps. These incentives can help offset the upfront cost of installing a heat pump, making it an even more attractive option for commercial properties.

Adaptability to Different Commercial Climate Conditions

Modern heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in a variety of climate conditions. Historically, heat pumps worked best in moderate climates, but advances in technology now allow them to function effectively even in extreme temperatures.

For example, cold-climate heat pumps can still extract heat from the air, even when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. This makes them a reliable option for buildings in colder regions, ensuring comfort during the winter months.

Mazza Mechanical has years of experience providing HVAC solutions for commercial properties. We understand that every commercial building has unique heating and cooling needs, so we offer customized heat pump solutions tailored to your facility.

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Heat pumps are an excellent option for commercial facilities looking to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and enhance indoor comfort. With their energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements and ability to provide both heating and cooling, heat pumps offer long-term value for building owners.

Air-Source Heat Pumps | Department of Energy

An air-source heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling for your home. When properly installed, an air-source heat pump can deliver up to two to four times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. This is because a heat pump transfers heat rather than converting it from a fuel, like combustion heating systems.

Air-source heat pumps have been used for many years across the United States. Recent advancements in technology have made them a viable heating alternative even in regions with extended periods of subfreezing temperatures.

For example, a study by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships found that when units designed for colder regions were installed in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, annual savings were around 3,000 kWh (or $459 at $0.153/kWh) compared to electric resistance heating, and 6,200 kWh (or $948 at $0.153/kWh) compared to oil systems. When displacing oil, the average annual savings are nearly 3,000 kWh (or about $300).
 

How Air-Source Heat Pumps Work

A heat pump's refrigeration system consists of a compressor and two copper or aluminum coils (one indoors and one outside) with aluminum fins to aid heat transfer. In heating mode, heat energy is extracted from the outdoor air and brought into the house via a compressor circulating refrigerant. A reversing valve changes the direction of refrigerant flow for cooling and for the winter defrost cycle. In warmer months, heat is extracted from the home and rejected outdoors.
 

Efficiency and Performance

Today's air-source heat pumps are more efficient due to several technical advances:

  • Electronic and Thermostatic Expansion Valves: Provide more precise control of the refrigerant flow to the indoor coil.
  • Variable Speed Blowers: More efficient and reduce airflow during part-load conditions, compensating for restricted ducts, dirty filters, and dirty coils.
  • Improved Coil Design: Thicker coils yield better dehumidification.
  • Advanced Motor and Compressor Designs: Inverter-driven systems adjust infinitely between low and high speeds, providing exceptional energy savings and improved humidity control.

Types of Air-Source Heat Pumps

When choosing an air-source heat pump, it's essential to understand the different configurations available. These systems can be tailored to suit various home layouts, preferences, and heating and cooling needs. Here's an overview to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Ductless vs. Ducted vs. Short-Run Ducted:
    • Ductless Systems: Require minimal construction, ideal for additions, studio apartments, or smaller homes. They avoid ductwork efficiency losses but lack high efficiency MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) air filtration or the ability to add ventilation.
    • Ducted Systems: Use existing ductwork, ideal for homes with a ducted heating or cooling system.
    • Short-Run Ducted: Use traditional ductwork in a small section of the house, often complemented by ductless units.
  2. Split vs. Packaged:
    • Split Systems: Have one coil and fan inside and one outside. Supply and return ducts connect to the indoor central coil and fan.
    • Packaged Systems: Contain all components in one outdoor unit. Heated or cooled air is delivered via ductwork passing through a wall or roof.
  3. Multi-Zone vs. Single-Zone:
    • Ducted Systems: Single-zone systems have one thermostat; multi-zone systems have motorized zone dampers and multiple thermostats.
    • Minisplit Systems: Single-zone systems have one outdoor condenser matched to one indoor head; multi-zone systems can connect multiple indoor heads to one outdoor condenser, allowing for individual room temperature control.

Selecting a Heat Pump

Every residential heat pump sold in the United States has an EnergyGuide label displaying its heating and cooling efficiency ratings.

  • Heating Efficiency (HSPF): The Heating Season Performance Factor measures the total heat provided over a heating season divided by the total electrical energy consumed. For example, a 10.3 HSPF heat pump provides 10,300 Btu of heat for every kWh of electricity consumed. In comparison, an electric resistance heating element provides only ~3,400 Btu of heat for every kWh of electricity consumed.
  • Cooling Efficiency (SEER): The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio measures the total heat removed over a cooling season divided by the total electrical energy consumed. For example, a 16 SEER cooling system provides 16,000 Btu of cooling for every kWh of electricity consumed.

In general, the higher the HSPF and SEER, the higher the cost of the unit. However, the energy savings can return the higher initial investment several times during the heat pump's life. A new central heat pump replacing a vintage unit will use much less energy, substantially reducing air-conditioning and heating costs.

As of January , more stringent efficiency terms (HSPF2 and SEER2) were enacted to better reflect airflow resistance due to more realistic duct systems. For example, a unit rated at 15 SEER would be a 14.3 SEER2. Likewise, an 8.8 HSPF would equate to a 7.5 HSPF2 heating efficiency.

These are some other factors to consider when choosing and installing air-source heat pumps:

  • Select a heat pump with a demand-defrost control. This will minimize defrost cycles, thereby reducing supplementary and heat pump energy use.
  • Fans and compressors make noise. Locate the outdoor unit away from windows and adjacent buildings, and select a heat pump with a lower outdoor sound rating (decibels). You can also reduce noise by mounting the unit on a noise-absorbing base.
  • The location of the outdoor unit may affect its efficiency. Outdoor units should be protected from high winds, which can cause defrosting problems and may need to be elevated due to snow build-up.

To choose an electric air-source heat pump, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. In warmer climates, SEER is more important than HSPF. In colder climates, focus on getting the highest HSPF feasible.

Performance Issues with Heat Pumps

Heat pumps can experience issues with poor airflow, restrictive or leaky ducts, incorrect refrigerant charge, and improper wiring of electric resistance auxiliary heat strips. To ensure your heat pump operates efficiently and to avoid these performance issues, it’s essential to hire a qualified technician.

Consumers should seek out technicians certified by programs recognized under the DOE’s Energy Skilled Heat Pump Programs. This program identifies organizations that certify technicians and training programs for heat pumps, ensuring the technician has the necessary expertise to install and service the system correctly.

Finding a skilled, knowledgeable contractor is one of the most important steps to ensure the long-term performance of your HVAC equipment. It’s also one of the biggest barriers for consumers, after first cost. Be sure to hire someone certified by a recognized program to get the most out of your heat pump system.

  • Ensure there is about 400 cubic feet per minute (cfm) airflow for each ton of the heat pump's air-conditioning capacity. Efficiency and performance can deteriorate if airflow is much less than 350 cfm per ton. Technicians can increase airflow by cleaning the evaporator coil or adjusting the fan speed, but often some modification of the ductwork is needed. See minimizing energy losses in ducts and insulating ducts for more information. 
  • Refrigeration systems should be leak-checked at installation and during each service call. Packaged heat pumps are charged with refrigerant at the factory and are seldom incorrectly charged. Split-system heat pumps, on the other hand, are charged in the field, which can sometimes result in either too much or too little refrigerant. Split-system heat pumps that have the correct refrigerant charge and airflow usually perform very close to the manufacturer's listed SEER and HSPF. Too much or too little refrigerant, however, reduces heat-pump performance and efficiency. For more maintenance tips, see the Energy Star maintenance checklist.
  • Energy codes require that heat pumps with auxiliary electric resistance back-up heat have controls to prevent unnecessary heat strip operation. This is one of the most commonly violated installation practices for heat pumps.

Conclusion

Air-source heat pumps provide efficient and effective heating and cooling for homes in various climates. By selecting the right type and ensuring proper installation, you can enjoy significant energy savings and improved comfort.

Take Action

For more information and to find ENERGY STAR certified air-source heat pumps, visit the ENERGY STAR website. Ensure your system is installed correctly and maintained regularly to maximize efficiency and savings.

To find technicians certified under the DOE Energy Skilled Heat Pump Programs, visit the DOE Energy Skilled Heat Pump Programs page. Choosing a certified technician ensures proper installation and maintenance, helping to avoid performance issues and achieve long-term energy savings.

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