Fall is the best time of year to consider installing a new heating system. You don’t want to make it all the way to the winter without a reliable way to keep your home warm. Fortunately for you, there are a great many different types of heating systems available on the market. Each of these systems is set up to address a different range of individual situations. It’s important that you carefully consider the pros and cons of each option, so that you can find the perfect system for your needs. Have a look at how heat pumps operate, the advantages they offer, and whether or not one might be a good choice for your needs.
Heat Pump Construction and Operation
A heat pump is actually closer to an air conditioner in terms of construction and operation than most heaters. Rather than combusting fuel to generate heat, a heat pump evaporates and condenses refrigerant to move preexisting thermal energy from one place to another. When in heating mode, the system absorbs heat from outside the home and vents it inside. Heat pumps are able to switch back and forth between heating and air conditioning modes. All they need to do is reverse the direction that refrigerant flows between the two units.
The Advantages of Using a Heat Pump
Heat pumps have a number of advantages over other heating systems. Many homeowners install heat pumps for their ability to act as either heaters or air conditioners. You can save a lot of money and space by using just one climate control system year-round, instead of relying on two different ones. Heat pumps are also more energy efficient than most combustion-based heaters, since they don’t have to burn any fuel to generate heat. A heat pump tends to pay for itself in savings within a few years of installation, which makes it an attractive option to any homeowner looking to cut operating costs. It can also provide just as much output as a more traditional heating system, which means there’s little-to-no tradeoff to worry about.
Heat pumps do have a drawback in the form of declining energy efficiency in extremely cold weather. Because air-source heat pumps rely on the thermal energy in the air surrounding the system to heat the home, they are subject to the weather outside. If the air outside is colder, there is less thermal energy for the heat pump to gather. This only starts to become a serious issue in environments that regularly drop close to zero degrees, though, which means that around here it isn’t anything to worry about.
If you’re not sure whether or not a heat pump would be the best option for you, you should consult with a professional. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not you’d be able to benefit from installing a heat pump in your home.
Total Comfort, Inc. provides a full range of heat pump installation services in Pasadena, CA. If you need to have a heat pump installed or serviced, we are here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians.