What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is an all-seasons HVAC system which provides cooling capabilities in the summer and heat in the winter. The heat pump system is comprised of indoor components and an outdoor component which work together to manipulate the conditioned air inside your home or business.
What Can A Heat Pump Do For My Home?
In the summer, a heat pump works in exactly the same way as an air conditioner. Your heat pump cools your home or office by moving heat from the inside to the outside. In the winter, a heat pump operates in “reverse” by moving heat from the outside to the inside of your home or office. Even though it feels “cold” outside during the winter, there is still plenty of heat in the air that can be captured by a heat pump. Heat pumps have auxiliary electric or gas heating systems that automatically come on to provide more heat when the temperature outside falls below 40 degrees or when the thermostat temperature is increased more than 5 degrees at a time.
Should I Choose a Heat Pump to Replace My System?
The initial investment for a heat pump is somewhat higher than for an air conditioner with a gas furnace. Heat pumps do have somewhat higher maintenance costs and ductwork must be of good design and in proper repair for proper operation. One common complaint that we hear about heat pumps is that the air coming out of the registers is not hot enough (compared to a gas furnace). This may be true, however, a heat pump is plenty warm to heat your home. Actually, heat pumps will keep your indoor temperature more constant than a gas furnace.
Even if you have natural gas, heat pumps are often the most economical and efficient way to heat and cool your home.
Is a Heat Pump Better Than My Air Conditioner & Furnace?
That depends on where you live and what is important to you. Here in Texas, we have mild winters so a heat pump is more than sufficient to heat our homes. In the summer, the heat pump dehumidifies better than air conditioners which offers more all-over cool with less energy usage. Heat pumps are popular around us. In the north, where winters are brutal and summers can be more mild, a furnace is often seen as essential to home comfort. Generally speaking, heat pumps are a modern, reliable, and long-lasting HVAC system option. Homeowners who are particularly interested in environmental conservation tend to prefer heat pumps as well.
Will a Heat Pump Save Me Money?
It’s very possible! Because heat pumps are generally more energy efficient than operating a furnace and AC, they do operate with fewer energy costs. Repair costs are not typically any higher or lower than other systems. They are a bit more expensive to install than other alternatives but you may find that they pay for themselves in savings over time.
If you are in the market for a new HVAC system and you’re considering a heat pump, give us a call! One of our expert technicians would be happy to answer your questions and schedule your installation when you are ready. Call today at (512) 866-9821
