Electric Heat Pumps Recommended Over Space Heaters for U.S. Homes to Boost Efficiency
A recent report from the nonprofit energy group RMI highlights the benefits of replacing electric resistance heating, commonly known as space heaters, with electric heat pumps in U.S. homes. Heat pumps, which transfer heat rather than generate it, are significantly more efficient, boasting a coefficient of performance (COP) of around three, compared to a COP of one for space heaters. This means heat pumps produce three units of heat for every unit of electricity used. The report suggests that replacing space heaters with heat pumps could save U.S. households an average of $1,530 annually, totaling $20 billion in savings nationwide. Additionally, this switch could reduce carbon emissions from homes by about 40%. The report also notes that heat pumps can replace both heating and cooling systems, offering a dual benefit for homeowners. 
