You may have heard of heat pumps and wondered what they were. Basically, a heat pump can cool and heat your house using a single system. This is possible because the compressor and circulating refrigerant can move heat in both directions. In the winter, the system moves heat from the outside into your home. In the summer, the system moves heat from inside your home and releases it outside. Because of this structure, a heat pump uses less electric energy to run than more traditional air conditioning and heating systems.
While it is true that the cost of installation may be higher for a heat pump unit and system, there are several advantages to this type of system:
- Heat pumps usually last longer than furnaces or other types of HVAC systems.
- Heat pumps can both cool and heat your home from one system.
- Heat pumps generally require less maintenance than oil or gas heating systems.
- Heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions because of their increased efficiency.
- Heat pumps are generally safer and cheaper to operate than systems that rely on combustion to heat.
There are many advantages to this type of system, but a trained professional HVAC technician can discuss whether a heat pump is right for your unique situation. Because of the high installation cost, you may decide to choose another heating and cooling method. Still, remember that while the initial cost is higher, running costs will be significantly lower. Heat pumps work best in temperate climates that don’t have extreme temperatures, but can be a good choice in a wide variety of locations.
