The convenience of installation and ease of use are two aspects that all homeowners look for in the heating and cooling system. Along with it, the cost of the new unit and its efficiency become decisive factors. Heat pumps offer all these and much more. That is why they are considered a good solution for heating and cooling.
Heat pumps are most suited for moderate climates, i.e., where both summers and winters are mild. If you dwell in such an area and wish to increase your comfort while saving money simultaneously, heat pumps will come to your rescue. They provide both heating and cooling, so there is no need to buy a separate air conditioner and furnace. Heat pump packs the power of both in a single unit.
Understanding Heat Pumps
As the name itself suggests, heat pumps move heat from one place to another. This heat exchange helps achieve the desired temperature indoors. During the winter season, the heat pump draws out heat from the outdoors and transports it indoors. While in summers, the heat from indoors is extracted and pushed outdoors. Because they move heat instead of generating it, the heat pumps are cost-efficient to run.
Different Types Of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps generally come in four different types. These are:
1. Air Source Heat Pumps – In winters, an air source heat pump extracts the heat from the air outdoors and passes it indoors. In summers, the reverse happens. To cool the indoors, the heat from indoor air is removed and moved outdoors.
2. Water Source Heat Pumps – Water source heat pumps require a fair-sized body of water to work. When heating is required, thermal energy from water is extracted and transferred indoors. And when cooling is needed, the indoor heat is transferred to the outdoor water source.
3. Geothermal Heat Pumps – Ground source heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps use the natural heat of the ground to heat indoors during winter and reverse the process to cool the house during summers.
4. Hybrid Heat Pumps – Hybrid heat pumps use a combination of heat pump and a separate heating system like the furnace. In this type, the outdoor air source heat pump is linked to an indoor gas furnace. So, when the temperature falls drastically, the furnace takes over the heating.
Why Heat Pump Is A Good Solution For Heating And Cooling
The benefits of using a heat pump are many. Add to it the innovations in the field, and you have a winning combination on hand. If you are still wondering how and why heat pumps are a good heating and cooling solution, here are some things for you to consider:
1. One Compact Unit For Both Heating And Cooling – We spoke about convenience in the beginning. The heat pump is considered extremely convenient because both heating and cooling are provided by one single unit. Now, there is no need for an air conditioner and a boiler or furnace. Even at the cost of performing two completely opposite tasks, the size of the unit remains compact. It occupies less space as compared to the air conditioner and furnace put together. So, a heat pump can be installed in a smaller area, and being a single unit, the cost of installation is also not very high.
2. Save On Heating And Cooling Costs – A major portion of the energy bill consists of the heating and cooling costs. With a heat pump, you can cut down your monthly energy consumption by almost 30%. It means that your energy bills will also reduce and become smaller. As per the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, one should buy a heat pump with a minimum of 15 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and 8.5 HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). For maximum efficiency, the best combination is 24 SEER and 13 HSPF.
3. Variable Speed Compressor Technology For Increased Savings – Modern heat pumps use a variable speed compressor. These adjust the output based on the load requirement during any given period of time. As against this, the traditional single-stage heat pumps either gave it their all or nothing at all. That is an extreme reaction and consumes comparatively more energy. Using the variable speed compressor technology, the newer heat pumps can render saving close to 40% on the overall annual energy bill.
4. Advance Humidity Control – Both high and extremely low humidity levels indoors have their own set of associated health troubles. Hence, neither is a preferable condition. Optimum humidity at all times is necessary for good health and comfort. The ideal humidity for indoors is anyplace between 30% to 50%. Heat pumps are way better than the central HVAC systems in maintaining healthy relative humidity levels indoors. If studies are to be believed, they can extract 400% more humidity or moisture from the air as compared to the other systems.
5. Silent Operations – The silencer system in the heat pump makes for extremely quiet operations. One can barely ever hear the vibrations. In fact, the sound level in some models is as low as 51 DBA (A-weighted decibels).
The Gist Of The Matter
Heat pumps are easy to install, give big energy savings, work soundlessly, and even reduce the carbon footprint of your home. So many benefits in a single packaging are too good a deal. In the long run, the system keeps you comfortable and does not even lighten your pockets by much.
At Aztil Air Conditioning, we recommend using heat pumps and other heating and cooling products to make indoors more comfortable. If you have any queries or concerns regarding the HVAC systems, our air experts will be more than happy to answer them for you. We are indeed your one-stop-shop for all HVAC needs. To book an appointment for HVAC installation, repair, replacement, or maintenance, call us at +1-888-729-8452. We operate in West Palm Beach and are open 24/7 to handle all kinds of heating and cooling system emergencies. If you haven’t scheduled an inspection or booked maintenance, give us a call today.
