Heat Pump

Heat Pumps

Deciding what type of home heating system is best for you can be a rather confusing experience. Not properly understanding the way heat pumps work or the various options available can cause more angst than necessary. This article outlines the basic information about heat pumps—a common heating and cooling system for homes in temperate climates.

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a 2-in-1-furnace/air conditioner and therefore serves as an excellent choice when taking into account furnace efficiency. A heat pump will operate as a furnace when it is cold, and an air conditioner in the summer when it is warmer. This is possible by a valve that can be switched to the proper mode based on the temperature outside. In the summer, the heat pump will remove excess heat from within the house. This process is simply reversed during the winter. Heat is taken from the outside air and transferred into the house—creating a consistently comfortable temperature. Because of the manner in which heat pumps work, they are generally recommended for temperate climates that rarely drop below freezing.
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Heat Pump Advantages

Heat pumps are one of the most efficient systems you can buy to heat your home. This means saving energy and paying lower bills compared to other heating options. Electric heat pumps also eliminate the need for a humidifier to fight the "dry air feel" produced by furnaces. Most heat pumps are quieter than their counterpart heating systems because a heat pump's air compressor is located outside the building, reducing the noise levels.

Heat Pump Disadvantages

One disadvantage to purchasing a heat pump is the possible need for a backup system. If you live in an area that is frequently below freezing in winter, a back up system may be required to provide enough heat for the entire home. Also, the initial price of a heat pump can be a deterrent when purchasing a heating unit, but the savings on energy bills usually offsets this.

Heat Pump Cost

Depending on the type of heat pump and the SEER/HSPF rating you choose (both are something your contractor should help you with) the prices can range from $1,500 to $7,500 for the initial installation. Geothermal heat pumps are the most expensive to install, but will also have the greatest return on investment in the long run.
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Heat Pump Efficiency

Heat pumps are more efficient than other heating systems because instead of converting electricity or fuel into heat, heat pumps transfers the warmth stored in the air or ground to heat the home. However as mentioned earlier this efficiency is lost in colder climates as the temperature goes below freezing.

Heat Pumps in Cold Climates

It is possible, and sometimes common, for a heat pump to collect frost and ice on the outside condenser coil. To avoid freezing over, or to remove the ice, the heat pump will switch to "defrost" mode. This setting will turn on the cooling portion of the heat pump in order to warm the coils. Then, to avoid sending cold air into the house, the heat pump will heat the cold air the system is producing. Additional noise will result as a part of the process; keep in mind this does not mean the heat pump is malfunctioning.

How to Find a Heat Pump Contractor

Finding a quality contractor to install a heat pump is crucial. If too large a system is installed, the heat pump will cycle on and off too often decreasing efficiency and producing unnecessary deterioration on the equipment. Too small a system and the heat pump will not be capable of keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. The Better Business Bureau recommends meeting with three different contractors before hiring a contractor for your projects.

Disclaimer: This article offers general guidelines and is not intended as professional advice. If you have comments, suggestions, or questions about this article or QualitySmith services, please contact QualitySmith at 1-800-525-5567.