Many people don’t know exactly what a heat pump is or how it works. To clear up the confusion, the experts at Pyramid Heating & Cooling have provided all the info you need regarding heat pumps below. Read on to learn more about what they are, how they work, and why you need one in your home.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Rather than generate warm or cool air, heat pumps transport heat from one location to another to help regulate the temperature within a home. During the summer, a heat pump extracts warm air from inside your home and transfers it outside to keep your home cool. During winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and brings it inside to keep your home warm.
Rather than creating heat, a heat pump transfers it using a substance called refrigerant. Refrigerant extracts heat from its surroundings and releases it where it is needed.
What Are the Types of Heat Pumps?
There are three main types of heat pumps. Depending on your climate and your property, heat pump experts can help you determine which type of heat pump will help you maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
The types of heat pumps are:
- Air source: Air-source heat pumps extract heat from the air outside and transfer it into your home.
- Water source: Water-source heat pumps absorb heat from a water source outside and bring it into your home.
- Ground source: Ground-source heat pumps extract heat from the ground and soil and transfer it to your home.
Where Do Heat Pumps Work Best?
Because there isn’t always adequate amounts of heat in the outside air to warm a home, heat pumps are best suited for moderate climates. In areas where the temperature drops below freezing on a regular basis, a heat pump is not able to operate at peak efficiency. In these colder climates, we recommend a dual-fuel system. Pairing your heat pump with a gas or oil furnace ensures that you always have backup when the temperatures are too low for a heat pump to work effectively.
What Is the Difference between an AC & a Heat Pump?
To cool your home, air conditioners and heat pumps use the same technology and have the same features. There is no real difference between the two when it comes to efficiency, comfort, and cost savings. The main difference between air conditioners and heat pumps is that a heat pump is both a heating and cooling system while an air conditioner is just a cooling system. Also, because heat pumps are used year-round, they tend to have a shorter lifespan than air conditioners that are really only used during summer.
Why Should I Install a Heat Pump?
Installing heat pumps can help you reduce your environmental impact, save money, and avoid stressful, frequent repairs.
Energy Efficiency
If you are looking to reduce your environmental impact, we urge you to consider installing a heat pump. These systems do not use energy to generate heat, they only use energy for power. The power used to generate these systems is extremely low because it is only used to run four components: two fans, the compressor, and a pump. Heat pumps are able to produce three units of heat for every one unit of energy they use, making them up to 300% efficient.
Cost Savings
The cost savings you experience will depend on your climate and the type of heat pump you install. Generally, due to the fact that they are an all-in-one system, heat pumps cost less money upfront than the more conventional furnace and air conditioner setups.
You can expect to save up to 40% on your utility bills when you install a heat pump in a moderate climate. In colder climates, you can maximize your cost savings by pairing your heat pump with a furnace. Your furnace will only kick on when it is too cold for your heat pump to work efficiently. By minimizing the time your furnace is on, you can save big time on your utility bills.
Low Maintenance
These systems are incredibly low maintenance, which means they require very little attention and few costly repairs. Heat pumps are fully programmable and have easy-to-use controls. They are reliable temperature regulators that you can count on year-round.
Call Pyramid Heating & Cooling Today
The experts at Pyramid Heating & Cooling specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of every type of heat pump. With over 15 years of experience in the HVAC industry, you can count on us to provide exceptional service every time.
For further information, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (503) 783-8488 or contact us online.