The Top Five Benefits of Heat Pumps

When deciding on a new cooling and heating system for your home or business, you'll find many benefits of heat pumps. Heat pumps work similarly to air conditioners or refrigerators, but they use refrigerant and electricity to transfer heat between different locations. 

Heat pumps also differ from conventional heating furnaces because they don't generate their own heat. Instead, different types of heat pumps use energy readily available in the ground, water, and air surrounding a home. 

This guide explores the five benefits of heat pumps and how Port Washington's heating services from the Professional Services team can help you decide what model to buy. 

What Different Types of Heat Pumps Are There? 

Before exploring the many benefits of heat pumps, let's first explore the different types of heat pumps you can buy: 

• Water-source heat pumps: These heat pumps pull heat energy from the air by pumping water directly from a nearby source and into the heat pump itself. This type of heat pump works best if you have a nearby lake or pond. 
• Air-source heat pumps: Also called air-to-air pumps, these heat pumps pull heat from the outside air and distribute it throughout your home. Many homeowners choose this type of heat pump because it doesn't take up a lot of space and is easy to install. 
• Geothermal heat pumps: A geothermal heat pump, also called a ground source heat pump, extracts heat directly from the ground surrounding your home's foundation and transports it inside your home. 

While these heat pumps are the most popular, other versions like dual fuel, absorption, and solar-assisted heat pumps exist. Some people even pair a heat pump with Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) furnaces. 

Five Benefits of Owning a Heat Pump 

Although heat pump offers several advantages, here are the top five:

1. You Only Need a Single System 

The first major benefit of owning a heat pump is that it handles your heating and cooling needs. For climates that experience mild weather, a heat pump can easily keep you warm during winter and cool during summer. 

As such, purchasing a heat pump means you won't need to also buy an air conditioner or furnace. 

2. They Have Great Energy Efficiency 

If you want to cut down on energy costs, a heat pump is a great choice. Heat pumps essentially move air between places versus generating it. During winter, they pull hot air outside and bring it inside. During summer, a heat pump will reverse this process. 

This method of heating or cooling your home is far more energy-efficient than a traditional furnace or air conditioner. While heat pumps may cost more initially, their dramatic savings easily makes them a worthwhile purchase. 

3. You'll Have Consistent Heating and Cooling Throughout Your Home 

Many HVAC systems produce uneven heating and cooling due to issues like improper maintenance or incorrect sizing. Heat pumps, however, allow for consistent heating and cooling throughout your home. 

4. They're Virtually Quiet 

HVAC systems, as a whole, are becoming quieter, but a traditional heater or air conditioner can still produce noise, especially as time goes on. A heat pump's compressor sits outside, making them quieter than other HVAC systems. 

5. They Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality 

Heat pumps mix and circulate outside air with inside air, resulting in better indoor air quality. With the proper maintenance and filters, you can further improve your indoor air quality using a heat pump. 

FAQs

Do Heat Pumps Work in Really Cold Areas? 

With newer models on the market featuring better technology, you can buy a heat pump that performs in temperatures that reach -13 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also pair your heat pump with equipment, allowing them to withstand temperatures of -25 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What's the Efficiency Performance of a Heat Pump?

In the correct conditions, a heat pump is able to transport 300% more energy than it uses. Conversely, a high-performance gas furnace only features a rate of around 95%. Due to their high efficiency, heat pumps can substantially save you money. 

How Long Do Heat Pumps Last? 

When you properly maintain your heat pump, you can expect it to last 15 to 20 years. Of course, this lifespan also depends on factors like how much you use your heat pump. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Heat Pump? 

The cost to install a heat pump depends on factors like your home's current setup alongside your home's compatibility with a heat pump. A qualified HVAC crew member from our team will help you pick out the right heat pump for your home's needs. 

How Can I Choose the Correct Heat Pump for My Home? 

Most homeowners choose air-source heat pumps for their homes. When choosing this type of heat pump, you should look at two main things: 

• HSPF (heating season performance factor): This rating calculates the amount of electricity you need to heat your home during winter. 
• SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio):  This rating calculates how much it'll take to cool your home during summer. 

If you live in a warmer climate, it's better to prioritize a heat pump's SEER rating. For colder climates, homeowners should prioritize a better HSPF rating. 

How Can I Improve My Heat Pump's Energy Efficiency? 

The main benefit of heat pumps is their energy efficiency, but you can further improve their efficiency through the following methods: 

• Properly insulating your walls and attic
• Correctly insulating and sealing your air duct system
• Add caulking around your windows and weather stripping around your doors 

Additionally, if you have a forced-air system, you can have your contractor balance out your airflow, which may require buying dampers. 

Discover the Best Heat Pump for Your Home Today 

The benefits of heat pumps are many, but finding the right one for your home's needs can be challenging. At Professional Services, our expert crew can help pair you with the correct heat pump. We will also properly install and maintain it. 

Port Washington residents can call us at 262-218-2636 to discover the best heat pump for apartments, homes, and other properties.