Electric heat pumps are also more efficient at heating and cooling homes than systems powered by oil and propane. Heat pumps move hot and cold air from indoors to outdoors, rather than burn fuel, and can save the average US homeowner an estimated $500 a year. Cutting the up-front costs of buying and installing heat pumps is a key way to increase sales. "There's a lot of outdated information about heat pumps out there." AdvertisementMcIlwain said Maryland was working to put more information online, including a database of contractors, electricians, and manufacturers trained on heat pumps.

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