Heat Pumps Explained
There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of heat pumps, particularly their efficiency. Luckily for locals, most controversy concerns their supposed inefficiency in colder climates. Heat pumps have always been a clear choice for heating and cooling homes in the local climate. When local homeowners choose to install heat pumps, they can enjoy benefits like lower bills and greater longevity. Many owners can even ditch fossil fuels for good, making their home eco-friendly and avoiding the fluctuations in natural gas pricing. Here is a local heating and cooling expert guide explaining why heat pumps are a great choice for local homes.
What are Heat Pumps?
A heat pump is a special type of heating and cooling system. Most conventional HVAC systems use an air conditioner to cool and a furnace that burns fossil fuels to warm the home. In a central AC, they will both use the same blower and ductwork, but the two systems are distinct. With a heat pump, the same system heats and cools the home, depending on the season. A heat pump cools the home by using the operating principle of an air conditioner, namely relying on the evaporation of refrigerants to remove heat from the home. When the process is reversed, the heat pump produces heat that can warm the home without using fossil fuel combustion or electrical resistance heating.
Heat pump technology can be used to upgrade any existing home. If a conventional central furnace system is present, a heat pump can be installed in its place to use the existing ductwork. If a home doesn’t have a central AC system, heat pump technology can be installed using ductless mini-split heat pumps.
Benefits of Heat Pump Technology
Heat pumps have been around for a while but are only now gaining popularity. As the technology improves and the word spreads, more homeowners are switching to heat pumps as they upgrade their HVAC systems. Some of the reasons for this are:
- Lower Bills: Heat pumps are much more efficient than an AC and furnace. They use only electricity all year, and compared to fossil fuel costs, plus minimum charges during the offseason, they are much cheaper to operate.
- Eco-Friendly Operation: Heat pumps are more eco-friendly because they are more efficient. They can lower a home’s carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.
- Flexibility: Heat pumps can be designed to fit any existing space. Heat pumps can fill the void whether a home needs a complete retrofit or simply a sway.
When to Call for Heat Pump Repairs
Heat pumps are generally more reliable than central furnaces because the same equipment works all year. Moving parts stay better lubricated, so there are fewer mechanical problems. However, eventually, a heat pump will need repairs. Some of the signs that heat pump repairs are needed are:
- Short or long cycles
- Temperature issues
- Noisy operation
- Poor air quality
- Airflow issues
Heat pumps are repaired like conventional central AC systems, so there is no need to stress when problems arise. Simply calling the normal AC contractor can get things back on track.
About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.
Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. can help every homeowner switch to a better HVAC unit. With award-winning service and a great maintenance plan, they can help get the AC running and keep it running. Call today for heat pump installation in Daytona Beach, FL.
