In common terms, a heat pump functions as an air conditioner in reverse. They move heat from one space to another by means of a compressor and circulating structure of liquid/gas refrigerant where heat is extracted from outside sources and pumped indoors.
For climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. During the winter, heat pumps absorb heat from the outdoors (even in cold weather) and move it into your house. During the summer, they move heat from your house and pushes it outdoors, thus cooling your home down. Because they move heat rather than generate it, heat pumps can provide equivalent space conditioning at as little as one-quarter of the cost of operating conventional heating or cooling appliances.
Despite its sometimes questionable reputation, there are still several advantages to having a heat pump installed in your home today.
Benefits of a Heat Pump
- Low Running Costs: Heat pumps are cheaper to run in comparison to furnaces which run on combustion. An electric heat pump can cost $500/year to run, while an electric furnace will cost upwards of $900.
- Less Maintenance: Heat pumps require far less maintenance in comparison to combustion heating systems. Approximately once a year certain details of the system have to be checked, which could easily be accomplished by yourself. If you are a bit hesitant, consider hiring a professional from Heatwave to check on the system.
- Safety: Heat pumps are far less likely to cause problems than other combustion heating systems. They are not generating their own heat by flame or combustion, lessening the chance of fires or gas leaks.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Heat pump systems reduce your carbon emissions and it has an efficient conversion rate of energy to heat. For example, water source models reach reasonably high efficiencies.
- Provide Cooling: During warmer months of the years, heat pumps are able to reverse the flow process. Because of this, they can serve a similar function to an air conditioner. Air to air heat pumps can conveniently be switched to cooling mode during the summers.
- Longevity: The life span of heat pumps is relatively long. In most cases, the average lifespan of a heat pump is somewhere around 14-15 years, while a furnace can burn out around 10 years after installation.
If you need heat pump maintenance, repair, or installation in your home, call Heatwave today!
