Heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your home using a single piece of equipment. They’ve become increasingly popular in Maryland and Pennsylvania because of their energy savings, versatility, and year-round performance. Whether you’re considering a new system, replacing an old one, or maintaining the one you have, understanding how heat pumps work — and how they differ from traditional HVAC — is the first step toward better comfort and efficiency.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is an HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling by transferring heat, rather than generating it. In the summer, it removes heat from your home just like a central air conditioner. In the winter, it works in reverse — extracting heat from the outside air and bringing it indoors. Because this process uses less energy than combustion-based systems, heat pumps can deliver up to 300% efficiency under the right conditions.
A typical system consists of:
- Outdoor Unit: Includes the compressor, fan, and condenser coil. This unit releases heat during cooling and absorbs heat during heating.
- Indoor Unit: Often an air handler with an evaporator coil and blower that distributes conditioned air throughout your home.
- Refrigerant Lines: Connect the indoor and outdoor units and circulate refrigerant between them.
- Thermostat: Controls system operation and temperature settings.
Because a heat pump moves heat instead of generating it, it’s one of the most energy-efficient options available—especially in our moderate Mid-Atlantic climate.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Heat pumps use a refrigeration cycle, involving a compressor, coils, and refrigerant. The system reverses its cycle based on the season:
| Mode | What It Does | Result |
| Cooling | Transfers heat from inside the home to the outside | Lowers indoor temperature |
| Heating | Extracts heat from outside air and transfers it inside | Warms the home efficiently |
Modern heat pumps are built to operate even in below-freezing temperatures, and in many cases can fully replace older heating systems like gas furnaces or oil boilers.
Types of Heat Pumps
BPM installs and services all major types of heat pump systems:
- Air-Source Heat Pumps – The most common residential system; transfers heat between indoor air and the outside.
- Ductless Mini-Split Systems – Highly efficient and ideal for homes without ductwork or for targeted zoning.
- Dual-Fuel Systems – Combine a heat pump with a gas furnace; ideal for cold-weather performance.
- Packaged Heat Pumps – All-in-one outdoor units, useful for tight spaces or manufactured homes.
- Geothermal Heat Pumps – Use underground temperatures for extremely stable and efficient operation.
- Water-Source Heat Pumps – Rely on a looped water system and are used in select configurations.
- Multizone Mini-Splits – Offer customized comfort across multiple rooms from a single outdoor unit.
Heat Pumps vs. Traditional HVAC Systems
| System Type | Provides Heat? | Provides Cooling? | Fuel Source | Efficiency | Ideal For |
| Heat Pump | ✅ | ✅ | Electricity | High (up to 300%) | Most homes in moderate climates |
| Gas Furnace + AC | ✅ | ✅ | Gas + Electricity | Moderate | Homes with existing gas infrastructure |
| Ductless Mini-Split | ✅ | ✅ | Electricity | Very High | Homes without ducts, room zoning |
| Boiler + Window AC | ✅ | ✅ (separate) | Oil/Gas + Electricity | Low to Moderate | Older homes with radiant heat |
Efficiency Ratings & Rebates
Heat pump performance is rated by:
- SEER2 – Seasonal cooling efficiency. Minimum efficiency is now 14.3 SEER2 for the Mid-Atlantic; high-efficiency units reach 18–20+.
- HSPF2 – Heating efficiency. Look for a minimum of 7.5, though top models exceed 9.5.
- ENERGY STAR® – Denotes compliance with government efficiency standards and often qualifies for rebates.
As a Lennox Preferred Dealer, BPM helps you choose qualifying systems and access available:
- Federal tax credits
- Maryland and Pennsylvania utility rebates
- Manufacturer incentives
Heat Pump Installation & Replacement
Installing or replacing a heat pump begins with sizing your system correctly, inspecting ducts, and understanding your home’s unique comfort needs. We handle:
- Permitting
- Electrical compatibility
- Thermostat setup
- Complete testing and commissioning
→ Learn more about heat pump installation & replacement
Heat Pump Repair
If your system runs constantly, makes strange noises, or blows air that’s not quite warm or cool enough, it may need repair. We troubleshoot:
- Refrigerant levels
- Electrical connections
- Compressor issues
- Control board faults
→ See our heat pump repair services
Heat Pump Maintenance
Routine service ensures your system runs efficiently and avoids costly breakdowns. Our 21-point tune-up includes:
- Coil cleaning
- Blower inspection
- Electrical testing
- Refrigerant pressure check
- Filter changes
→ See our maintenance services
Is a Heat Pump Right for My Home?
Heat pumps are ideal for most homes in Maryland and Pennsylvania — especially if you want to eliminate oil or gas heat, improve efficiency, or consolidate into a single system. Homes with older ductwork may need modifications, but we’ll inspect and advise with clarity.
Our Service Area
At BPM Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we provide fast, reliable HVAC service across all of Frederick County and Washington County, Maryland. Whether you’re in a larger city like Frederick or Hagerstown, or a smaller community like Myersville or Clear Spring, our technicians are just around the corner — ready to help with heat pump repairs, AC installations, furnace tune-ups, and more. Wherever you call home, we’re committed to keeping your system running smoothly, year-round.
| Frederick County, MD | Washington County, MD |
|---|---|
| Brunswick | Boonsboro |
| Emmitsburg | Clear Spring |
| Frederick | Funkstown |
| Mt. Airy | Hagerstown |
| Myersville | Hancock |
| New Market | Keedysville |
| Thurmont | Sharpsburg |
| Walkersville | Smithsburg |
| Woodsboro | Williamsport |
Ready to Explore Heat Pump Options?
If you’re thinking about upgrading, converting, or simply learning more about heat pumps, BPM Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help. We’ve installed hundreds of systems across Maryland and Pennsylvania and can walk you through every step — from selection to installation to maintenance.
Call (240) 200-0887 or schedule your consultation online.
