Heat Pump
An all-electric system that moves heat rather than making it — extracting warmth from outdoor air in winter and reversing to cool in summer. One machine replaces both furnace and AC, and because moving heat beats generating it, efficiency is far higher than electric-resistance heating.
The longer answer
Heat pumps don't create heat — they relocate it. In winter, refrigerant absorbs outdoor thermal energy (even when air feels cold) and releases it indoors. In summer, the cycle reverses. A heat pump delivers 2–4 units of heat per unit of electricity consumed, which is why it beats resistance heating by such a wide margin.
Distribution comes in two flavors: ducted (on existing ductwork, like a furnace replacement) and ductless (wall or ceiling heads, no ducts). Seattle's housing stock uses both heavily — pre-war homes go ductless; suburban two-stories go ducted. The rebate programs, efficiency tiers, and install costs differ by type; see the comparison guides for the decision framework.
Cold-climate models are the Seattle default — they hold capacity at temperatures well below our design lows, which means backup heat runs rarely and operating costs stay where the efficiency rating promises.
The Seattle angle
Washington's mild winters are ideal heat-pump territory, and active Seattle City Light / PSE rebates take $1,500–$6,000 off qualifying conversions.
Guides that use this term
Where this decision happens
Nearby in the glossary
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