Are Heat Pumps an Efficient Way to Heat a Home?
With so much changing in the world, more and more people are looking to make their homes as efficient as possible. This can be done in many ways, and one is how you choose to heat and cool your home. Heating and cooling systems can take up much more energy than necessary when you don’t have a system that’s designed to make the most out of the energy it’s using. One type of HVAC that may come up in your efficiency search will be heat pumps. They are a top choice for homeowners who are looking to upgrade their systems to increase efficiency.
You may be wondering if units like heat pumps really are as efficient as they seem. The answer is yes. Heat pumps can be an efficient way to both heat and cool your entire home for a variety of reasons. When you have the right type of heat pump installed by professionals like Entek, you can reap the benefits that come from making the switch, such as lower energy bills and less negative impact on the environment.
Here is some helpful information on heat pumps and how efficient they can be.
What Is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are HVAC units that are installed outside of the home, but they may have an indoor component as well. They are a preferred unit for many homes because, unlike furnaces or air conditioners, heat pumps can both heat and cool your home. This is one of the major reasons that heat pumps are such an efficient option. They eliminate the need to own two HVAC units to accommodate the changing seasons. Two separate units often require different fuel sources, take up more space, and ultimately cost more to run over time.
How Do They Work?
Heat pumps work in a unique way. Powered by electricity, they transfer heat into and out of the home. For instance, in the wintertime, heat is extracted from outside, even in cold temperatures. The heat pump takes that heat from outside and transfers it into your home to create and maintain your desired temperature.
In the hotter seasons, heat pumps work in a similar way to cool your home, only the process is reversed. They move the heat that is accumulating inside your home and pump it outside to maintain the temperature you set on the thermostat. Having the capability to do both tasks with one piece of equipment makes this type of HVAC an ideal efficient choice for homeowners.
What Makes Heat Pumps Efficient?
One of the ways heat pumps are a more efficient option compared to other heating and cooling systems is their ability to use less energy. They use less energy by running on electricity instead of fossil fuels like gas or oil and transferring existing heat rather than generating it. They’re an ideal way of heating and cooling if you live in a moderate climate.
Switching to a heat pump may initially seem like a more costly option, as installation costs can be high, but it can actually save you money in the long run. Typical electric heat pumps will trim down the amount of electricity used for heating by up to 40 percent, and high-efficiency heat pumps can save even more. Depending on the type of heat pump you choose, the climate you live in, and your overall needs, a heat pump can prove to be a successful way to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling experience.
What Kind of Heat Pumps Are Available?
There are a variety of different heat pumps that you can choose from to best suit your home efficiency needs as well as your home heating and cooling preferences. A professional HVAC company like Entek can install each of these variations into your home, as well as maintain and repair them should they need it.
High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
High-efficiency heat pumps are able to do more than just give you savings on your energy and electric costs. They are also able to dehumidify the air better than standard central air systems, which allows your home to maintain its cooler temperature more effectively in hotter seasons. This type of heat pump often comes with the option to have a “reverse cycle chiller” installed, which can generate hot and cold temperatures from water instead of air. This function will allow it to be used with radiant floor heating systems, a plus for some homeowners.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
A newer advancement in heat pumps has been the introduction of geothermal heat pumps. These specific heat pumps heat and cool your home by transferring heat between your home and the ground instead of between your home and the air outdoors. This option is highly efficient because it takes advantage of the general consistent temperature underground. They offer homeowners lower operational costs but can include a higher installation cost to get started. However, they are a great solution if you live in an area that experiences more extreme climate conditions.
Ductless Heat Pumps
Ductless heat pumps are a popular option amongst homeowners because, aside from being energy efficient, they also take up less space in your home. They don’t interfere with furniture placement, are easy and affordable to install, and can save you between 25 and 50 percent on your electric bill each year. They are a great addition for remodels and room additions in a home or newly constructed homes that don’t include ducts in the design.
Single-Zone Solution
If you’re looking for more individual comfort control, you should consider investing in a single-solution heat pump. This option allows homeowners to create a more specific heating and cooling experience for smaller homes, homes without ductwork, or special areas of a home. They are smaller than standard heat pumps and consist of one indoor handling unit connected by refrigerant lines to an outdoor condensing unit. These types of HVAC systems give customers the option to choose if their unit is wall-mounted or ceiling-recessed. It also offers allergy filtration, whisper-quiet systems, and discreet ductless or ducted options.
Multiple-Zone Solution
A multi-zone solution heat pump can eliminate the need to have a large outdoor system and extensive amounts of ductwork in your home while still creating a variety of temperature-specific areas. This option can connect a single outdoor condensing unit to up to eight indoor handling units and provides comfort control to the most-used rooms in your home. Like single-zone solutions, this system also comes with options like whisper-quiet technology, allergy filtration, and wired or wireless control.
