As fall and winter set in, you might be thinking about your air conditioner less and less. However, if your area has a moderate climate, now might be the perfect time for your best eco-swap yet: a heat pump. . Heat pumps look and work similarly to a traditional AC, but they are also able to heat your home. While cooling, heat pumps use about 5 times less energy than air conditioners; and while heating, are about 3 times more efficient than gas furnaces! Heat pumps are normally more expensive to install than traditional AC units (and hence, aren't as popular), but with the recent passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, huge tax cuts and other rebates make them more affordable than ever. . The biggest thing to keep in mind? Heat pumps aren't great picks for cold climates. If you frequently see temperatures below freezing, the energy efficiency benefits of the heat pump quickly disappear as the unit works harder. But if you experience mild winters above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, a heat pump should be high on your planet-friendly, home improvement to-do list! . . Read more about heat pumps: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/hvac/heat-pump-vs-air-conditioner/ ...Or read more on Energy Efficiency Day: https://energyefficiencyday.org/energy-efficiency-day-in-2022-all-about-the-heat-pump/ . Graphic shows a heat pump taking in hot and cold air and pumping out 'green' air (in a wavy, bold color fashion). The factoid reads: "Heat pumps use 5 times less energy than air conditioners." . Pixel Planet Today is created by Terrabyte (https://terrabyte.eco). Give us a follow and keep up with the other stuff we're doing. 🌎❤️ . . #ecoswap #airconditioning #heatpump #energyefficiency #energyefficiencyday #psychadelicdesign #tiedye #groovemachine #pixelplanet #pixelplanettoday #pixelart #planetfacts #artivism #climatedesign