Survey Reveals Gap in Heat Pump Awareness Among Homeowners, Contractors

HVAC manufacturer Midea unveiled survey results at the beginning of this year that found more than half of homeowners are not fully aware of heat pumps and their function, and ,therefore, have not considered the purchase.

While the survey shows a considerable awareness gap of the potential of heat pump technology among homeowners and contractors, it also reveals a willingness to embrace heat pumps with the proper understanding of the technology.

The survey of more than 2,000 homeowners and more than 1,000 contractors found that while 80% of homeowners claim to know what a heat pump is, 54% were unsure or unknowledgeable about its full capabilities, particularly its ability to provide both heating and cooling.

Specifically, 49% indicated that the main reason they would be hesitant to switch to a heat pump is because they don’t know anything about these products.

Just 4% of homeowners were aware of a modern heat pump’s ability to maintain 100% heat output at temperatures as low as minus 4 degrees. Only 30% of contractors were aware of the fact.

Around 92% of contractors said they were open to learning more about more efficient heat pump systems to improve installation time and customer satisfaction. Although 84% of contractors reported experience installing/working on heat pumps, 81% expressed the need for better training to install next-generation heat pumps.

The survey also reflects a growing readiness among homeowners to embrace heat pump technology. More than three-quarters of homeowners said they are more focused on energy efficiency now than they were five years ago, and 62% were looking into energy-saving solutions around the house.

Among millennial homeowners, 28% said they would be willing to invest more than $15,000 if it meant saving money on future energy bills. After learning about performance and cost-saving benefits, 82% of millennial homeowners indicated that they would be more likely to consider getting one.