Why Choose A Heat Pump?
If it’s time for you to replace your HVAC system, you might want to take a look at a heat pump. While relatively unknown in this country until about 25 years ago, the heat pump has been steadily growing in popularity nationwide.
What’s a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps work by moving heat in and out of your home. Similar to a split system air conditioner, the heat pump has two parts, an indoor evaporator and air handler and an outdoor compressor/condenser. Refrigerant is pumped between the two components, absorbing heat inside the home when in cooling mode and then exhausting it outdoors. Some heat pumps are available with the capacity to heat as well. When in heating mode, the process is switched and the refrigerant absorbs heat outdoors and releases it indoors.
Geothermal heat pumps, earth source or water source, are also available. Using the constant temperature of the earth or a body of water, they move heat from the earth or water back and forth between the unit and the home.
Heat pumps are also available in ductless models.
How Effective are Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps are considered quite effective as air conditioners, but generally are not recommended for heating in climates where winter temperatures consistently fall below freezing for long periods. The reason is that the unit cannot absorb enough heat outdoors to be effective under those conditions, so then has to default to an alternative heating source, such as a gas furnace or radiant heating strips that are added to some units. Heating with the latter means can be rather expensive in the winter.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
Because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, they are considered very efficient for cooling homes, and in warmer climates, for heating.
Heat pumps also generally run quietly and deliver even, gentle conditioned air.
At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues — especially HVAC and plumbing issues — so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.