8 Benefits Of Heat Pumps: What You Need To Know
August 21, 2023
HVAC bills can add up quickly, straining your wallet and causing unnecessary stress. If you're unhappy with how much you pay per month for heating and air conditioning, you may want to consider an alternative: a heat pump system.
A heat pump system can lower your heating electricity use by as much as 50% compared to furnaces and baseboard heaters. Here's what you need to know about the benefits of heat pumps before you make the switch.
WHAT ARE HEAT PUMPS?
Heat pump systems are a more energy-efficient way to regulate your home's temperature.
These systems take existing temperatures and transfer them via electricity. If your home is too hot, the heat pump transfers the heat outdoors. If it's too cold inside, the system extracts warm temperatures from outdoors and pumps them inside. Even on the coldest winter day, a heat pump can extract heat from the air and use it to warm your home.
HOW EXACTLY DOES A HEAT PUMP WORK?
When you adjust your thermostat, you probably don't think much about the machines, pipes, and wiring that work together to make your home the perfect temperature. The process works differently for HVAC systems and heat pumps.
HVAC SYSTEMS
HVAC systems feature a furnace for heating that burns fuel and uses electric coils to make and distribute the heat.
A connected but distinct air conditioning unit uses refrigerant and compressors to drastically cool air before it's distributed into a home.
HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
Heat pumps use compressors and coils to transfer temperatures. In heating mode, the refrigerant in the compressor is transformed into a hot gas. The refrigerant passes through the indoor coil before moving to the outdoor coil, where it absorbs heat from the outside air.
In cooling mode, the refrigerant in the compressor is transformed into a high-pressure hot gas that moves through the outdoor coil of the unit. A fan blows air across the hot refrigerant to cool it. The refrigerant goes through a metering device to lower its pressure and evaporate it back into its vapor state. The refrigerant then moves through the indoor evaporator coils and is released indoors as cool air.
THE TWO TYPES OF HEAT PUMPS
There are two types of heat pumps: ground source and air-to-air. Each type is extremely efficient at achieving the ideal temperatures inside your home. These pumps collect heat from outdoor sources to transfer inside.
1. AIR-TO-AIR HEAT PUMPS
Air source heat pumps take and transfer the outdoor air and move it indoors to satisfy the demands of your thermostat.
In the past, air-to-air systems weren't as effective in areas that experience ice and snow in the winter. However, modern technology has changed that. Modern heat pumps can still extract heat from the air on even the coldest winter day.
2. GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
Ground source or geothermal heat pumps utilize steady ground temperatures to achieve the perfect heat transfer in your home. Ground temperatures 12 to 40 feet below the surface remain consistent year-round. A ground source heat pump takes this heat from the earth and moves it into your home to keep you warm or removes heat from inside, depositing it into the earth to cool you off.
These pump systems take more work to install because of the digging involved, but they're super efficient.
Call Hamilton today at (913) 227-4943 to find out which type of heat pump would work best for you!
8 HEAT PUMP BENEFITS
Why buy a heat pump? These eight enticing heat pump benefits speak for themselves.
1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Heat pumps don't generate heat—they simply transfer it. Thanks to this transfer system, they use less energy to keep your home comfortable than traditional HVAC systems.
2. ECO-FRIENDLINESS
Most HVAC systems have a furnace that uses a pilot light and burns gas or oil. Heat pumps don't burn fuels but capture the power of natural sources like the air and the ground. Using heat pumps instead of traditional gas-powered furnaces can significantly reduce carbon emissions and make your home's eco-footprint smaller.
3. LOW RUNNING COSTS
Heat pumps don't use as much energy to operate, thanks to their ability to capture existing energy. That means they won't strain your energy bills like traditional HVAC systems, which could save you hundreds of dollars a year, depending on your temperature controls and the size of your home.
4. QUIET OPERATION
The transfer system requires fewer moving parts and machinery than an HVAC system, meaning you get your house to the right temp at a much lower decibel level.
5. LOW MAINTENANCE
We mentioned the simpler construction of heat pumps for quieter operation—but that also means parts are less likely to wear out or break. These systems often have life spans of 20 years or more, meaning they last longer than many traditional systems.
6. SAFE
Most HVAC heating systems use flames in their pilot lights or have surfaces that are hot to the touch. This isn't an issue with heat pumps, making them a safer alternative for families with young children or pets.
7. DUAL CAPABILITIES
A heat pump heats and cools your home, depending on the season. You only need one heat pump system instead of separate air conditioning and heating systems.
8. INCENTIVES
Many states give incentives, tax breaks, or other rebates to people who install eco-friendly heat pump systems. You could save money on an installation this way, making it far cheaper to switch to a heat pump instead of replacing your existing HVAC system.
It's also important to note that heat pumps are perfect for the Kansas City climate. With the mild winters and warm summers we experience each year, a heat pump system can achieve your desired temperatures. See what other heating services Hamilton can help you with.
HEAT PUMP MAINTENANCE
Even though heat pumps make maintenance easier, it doesn't mean you'll be relieved of all responsibilities. You'll still need to change filters regularly, clean your coils and fans, and check your refrigerant for leaks.
You can also schedule regular preventative maintenance visits twice a year. Choose Hamilton for maintenance to have our experienced technicians check out your system. They'll make sure everything is running smoothly and check electric connections, helping your system last many years and avoid costly repairs.
IT'S TIME FOR A HEAT PUMP IN YOUR HOME
All the benefits of a heat pump make the decision easy! It's time to choose a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly way to keep your home the perfect temperature. If you live in the greater Kansas City area, Hamilton has the crew with the best products and skills to take care of all your home heating and cooling needs.
Schedule an inspection with Hamilton to identify a heat pump brand and model that fits your home's cooling and heating needs.
Read more tips about your heat pump system on our blog or call us at (913) 227-4943 to schedule your service. Not looking for a heat pump at the moment? We also help with the following services: