# Understanding the 3 Heat Pump Options for Your Massachusetts Home > If your HVAC equipment needs to be replaced, considering heat pump options might help you find a system that offers both convenience and energy savings. [![heat pump](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/shutterstock_180904301.jpg)](http://www.shutterstock.com)If your HVAC equipment needs to be replaced, considering heat pump options might help you find a system that offers both convenience and energy savings. The options include air-source, ground-source and absorption heat pumps. All heat pumps operate on the same principle of moving heat energy instead of generating it. Heat pumps are rated for both cooling and heating efficiency. The minimum cooling efficiency rating stands at 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and 7.7 HSPF ([heating season performance factor](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/importance-of-seer-and-hspf.html)). In our cold-winter climate, it probably makes more sense to prioritize HSPF when shopping for a heat pump. [![heat pump](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/shutterstock_180904301.jpg)](http://www.shutterstock.com) Characteristics of the three heat pump varieties include: ## **Air-Source Heat Pumps** These use the air as the medium for heat transfer. In the winter, they extract the heat from the air outdoors, and using refrigerant, carry heat energy inside to be extracted for indoor heating. In the cooling mode, they use a reversing valve to switch the refrigerant flow. Heat is absorbed from the inside air as a fan blows across the evaporator coil, which creates cooler air inside. Refrigerant removes the heat energy outside to be released into the air. These heat pumps can lose efficiency when the outside air gets cold, though they typically have backup heating elements that kick on when the temperatures fall below freezing. ## **Ground-Source Heat Pumps** Also referred to as geothermal systems, these are the [most energy efficient](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/the-geothermal-heating-and-cooling-system-clean-quiet-and-right-under-your-feet.html) of all the heat pump options because they use the stored solar energy underground to extract or deposit heat. Temperatures below the frost line are much warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which contributes to their efficiency. Ground-source heat pumps use a loop field with a life expectancy is 50 years or more. The rest of the heat pump sits inside and with routine maintenance can last 25 years or more. Ground-source systems don't use an outdoor condenser, making them exceptionally quiet. ## **Absorption Heat Pumps** Used primarily in commercial buildings, these are now available for homes larger than 4,000 square feet, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. They're good choices for [homes off the grid](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/renewable-energy-sources-alternative-home-heating-cooling.html) because they use natural gas, propane or solar as the energy source. To explore more heat pump options in the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts, please contact us at [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/understanding-3-heat-pump-options-massachusetts-home.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/understanding-3-heat-pump-options-massachusetts-home.html)