Heat pumps are growing in popularity as an efficient home heating and cooling solution, and they offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional HVAC systems. If you’ve decided to add a heat pump to your property, you’re probably eager to learn what’s involved and what its benefits might be. Before you go through with a heat pump, this is everything you need to know.
What Is a Heat Pump?
First, a heat pump is a machine that moves heat from one place to another. Unlike conventional heaters that produce warmth through a combustion process, a heat pump uses technology like your refrigerator, only in reverse; it continues to transfer warmth from the outside air, water or ground in the winter, then goes the opposite way to cool in the summer. It can be a year-round complete comforter.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Contrast this with the heat pump, which extracts heat in a refrigerator-transfer type process. In the winter, they extract heat from the outdoor air and move it inside to heat your home. Heat remains in the outside air (even when dry) if the outside temperature is slightly above freezing (because a heat pump can extract heat from cold as well as warm air). In the summer, the cool happens in reverse: The heat pump runs warm air from your house to the outdoors.
Consider Your Climate
It’s essential to know your local climate before you consider a heat pump. In moderate climates, heat pumps are highly efficient, but in cold climates, they can struggle when temperatures drop. Modern heat pumps have also advanced with the times, and a number are designed for colder climates. If you live in an area with cold winters, consult with an expert to make sure you are purchasing a heat pump suitable for your climate.
Types of Heat Pumps
There are several types of heat pumps, and each has its advantages according to your home’s requirements:
Air Source Heat Pump: It is the most popular type of heat pump and pulls heat from the air. In more temperate regions, they are of great use because they will serve as a heater or a cooler in your home.
Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps: No water is required; they pull in heat from the ground, which is the same temperature year-round. They tend to be more efficient, although they are more costly upfront and bulkier to install.
Water Source Heat Pumps: These are mainly found in homes with access to a lake or a pond. These work similarly to ground-source pumps, but take heat from water rather than from the ground.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Heat pumps are very efficient, which saves on energy. Furnaces and electric baseboard heaters produce heat through the consumption of energy. In contrast, heat pumps move the heat that already exists, using electricity to do so, which translates into a 50% to 70% reduction in power consumption. When maintained correctly, a heat pump can cut your heating and cooling bills significantly, all while keeping your home’s temperature comfortable in all seasons.
Choosing the Right Size
It is critical to size a heat pump properly to get the best out of it. An underpowered unit works too hard to heat or cool efficiently, increasing power bills and shortening its life. On the other end, an oversized unit cycles poorly, leaving the building temperature unbalanced and wasting energy. AC load calculations, including house size, insulation values, and climate analysis, ensure the correct size heat pump is used.
Installation Process
While it’s usually fairly straightforward to get a heat pump system installed, it’s essential to have a professional AC technician do the work for you to ensure your system operates to its full potential. Your heat pump must be installed appropriately for these factors to be true, such as good airflow, drainage and insulation. Installation takes time, generally two or more days, not including installation of ductwork or electrical upgrades.
