Now is the time for hotels to consider upgrading their heating, cooling and water heating needs to clean, state-of-the-art heat pump technology. Heat pumps are two to four times as efficient as conventional oil, propane, or electric resistance heating systems. Heat pumps are the most energy-efficient HVAC technology available on the market today. With financial incentives, like those from National Grid, now is a great time for hoteliers to upgrade their HVAC solutions.
There are five myths about heat pumps and why you should consider upgrading to heat pumps in your hotel.
Myth #1: Heat installation is expensive.
The heat pump technology is broad so the total cost are dependent on a variety of factors, such as building and room layout and design, property location, and what technology a hotel is replacing. Scoping studies, offered by National Grid and other program administrators, can help hotels analyze the potential costs of installation. There are a myriad of rebates and tax credits available to hotel owners to purchase heat pumps as part of energy-efficient upgrades for their property. Discussing with a qualified tax attorney can give hoteliers the specifics for those credits available in your state. National Grid and other program administrators provide prescriptive and custom rebates for qualified equipment as well.
Myth #2: Heat pumps don’t save much energy.
Heat pumps use the least amount of energy to heat a space than any other option right now on the market. Heat pumps are more efficient than a traditional window or PTAC unit. While traditional window A/C units operate on an on off cycle, inverter heat pumps can change the operating speed of its compressor allowing less output at lower outdoor air temperatures, translating into less energy consumption.
Myth #3: Heat pumps don’t work when it is super cold.
New technology in split heat pump systems allow the systems to operate down to -30F. It is highly recommended to work with a reputable installer to ensure hotels are installing the best heat pump solution for your property’s needs and geographical location — a hotel in South Carolina will have different requirements than a property in Massachusetts. All equipment has technical parameters so making sure the equipment fits a specific criteria is essential for maintaining comfort year-round.
Myth #4: Heat pumps are hard to retrofit into a hotel.
There are many different heat pump technologies on the market today, from geothermal, air to water, heat pump PTAC, condenser-less heat pumps to mini split heat pumps. Depending on hotel layout and the existing equipment, these technologies can be more cost effective to install versus other technologies. A heat pump installer will be able to look at a property’s existing infrastructure and find the right technology that can assist with the hotel’s electrification goals. Utility companies are also able to provide scoping studies for a property to give an unbiased assessment of which technology will be the most cost effective.
Myth #5: Heat pumps need frequent maintenance.
Heat pumps require routine maintenance and regular tune-ups but not any more than any other HVAC systems. Regular maintenance checks are important to keep any system running at peak performance and prevent costly emergency repairs. Filters need regular cleaning and outdoor equipment should have regular maintenance, but all maintenance will depend on the usage of each guestroom and other hotel spaces.
Hotels can receive technical support and assistance throughout the heat pump installation process and save with financial incentives from National Grid. The National Grid program is designed to incentivize and simplify adoption of efficient electric heat pump systems in hotel heating and cooling applications. No matter what the hotel has been using for heating, they may be eligible for financial incentives for switching to high efficiency heating and cooling. For more information about heat pumps, in Massachusetts visit ngrid.com/heatpumps-ma and in Upstate New York visit ngrid.com/heatpumps-uny.
The editorial staff had no role in this post's creation.