Showing 1 - 24 of 33 total
What You Need to Know About Heat Pump Systems
Heating and cooling your home is essential to creating a comfortable environment. Choosing the right HVAC system is the first step in creating the desired level of comfort. While many traditional HVAC options, such as natural gas furnaces and central air conditioning systems, get the job done, there are other heating and cooling options that can help you achieve the comfort you desire without the shock when you open your energy bills. A heat pump system could be the perfect choice for you.
Whether you are looking for a system to keep energy costs down, or want to do your part to help protect the environment, an efficient electric heat pump system can be what you are looking for. Electric heat pumps can provide the same benefits as traditional heating and cooling systems but save you a significant amount in energy use and also help you reduce your home's carbon footprint.
If you have decided on a heat pump system or want to learn more about them, the specialists at Superior Home Supplies are ready to help. Read on to learn more about how heat pumps work and why they are beneficial, or contact Superior Home Supplies today to learn more about their available heat pump options.
What is a heat pump system?
A traditional heat pump system is comprised of both a heating and cooling system and is contained in an outdoor unit next to your home. Heat pumps work as a furnace in the winter by drawing in heat from the outside air and an air conditioner in the summer by pushing hot indoor air out of your home. The warmed or cooled air is then dispersed through your home through ductwork unless you choose to install a ductless heat pump system.
The system uses refrigerant and is powered by transfer heat and electricity. They are designed to provide comfort in your home throughout the year without relying on fossil fuels, like heating options such as natural gas furnaces.
What is a heat pump split system?
Heat pump split systems are a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home throughout the year. The system takes the place of a furnace and a central air system. It is basically an air conditioning system with a condenser/compressor in an outside unit and an indoor handler/evaporator coil unit on the inside.
What is the difference between a heat pump system and a split system?
The primary difference between a heat pump system and a split system is that a heat pump is an air conditioning system that can reverse itself in the winter to heat the home but is all in one outdoor unit. A split system functions more like a traditional split system with an interior unit that contains the evaporator coils and air handlers and an outdoor unit that holds the condenser and compressor. Split heat pump systems are the more popular option, but some homeowners prefer systems where all components reside in one unit.
Are heat pumps worth the investment?
Heat pumps tend to be more costly to install than other HVAC options, but their energy savings help to make them a wise investment, especially in areas with high seasonal energy costs. Since electric heat pumps do not produce heat but instead move it from one place to another, homeowners will see clear savings on their energy bills. Less energy use also makes heat pumps an environmentally-friendly option and can add resale value to your home when it comes time to sell.
Can you use a heat pump to cool your house?
Heat pumps not only work as a way to heat your home but can also be used to cool down your home. While the heat pump AC unit will pull the heat from the outdoor air and transfer it into the house when the temperature drops, it can also reverse the process and move the warm air inside the home outside. Therefore, a heat pump with AC can be used to cool your house. However, their efficiency may not be as good as central air conditioning systems in areas where temperatures can go incredibly high. Depending on your situation, a heat pump with AC could be a viable solution. Call us for expert advice.
What is the difference between a heat pump and a regular air conditioner?
Heat pumps work similarly to air conditioners in several ways. Both systems cool down the home's temperature and help reduce humidity. The main difference is that a heat pump can also act in reverse and become a heating system when the temperature requires it.
Heat pumps and air conditioners both use a process to transfer heat energy through the use of coil systems. Yet, while air conditioners add cooled air to the indoor space to lower the temperature, much like a refrigerator, a heat pump will lower the temperature in your home by pulling out the hot air. In areas with temperate weather, both options can keep your home comfortable throughout the summer season.
What is the cost of installing a heat pump system?
Heat pump costs will vary depending on the brand, the type of heat pump, the size, and whether it is a split system. When it comes to heat pump installation costs, they can be higher than other furnace and air conditioning options. Most homeowners will pay an average of $5,500 on installation, though costs can run as low as $4,000 to as high as $8,000. These costs represent the installation of the most common types of heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps are less commonly used and can have a high installation cost that runs into the tens of thousands of dollars as they can require special planning, research, and permits.
What are the benefits of a heat pump?
Many advantages come with installing a heat pump over other options, such as baseboard heating, gas furnaces, oil furnaces, and propane heaters. Some of the benefits of heat pumps include:
- Lower operating costs: While ground source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, and even air-source heat pumps are more expensive to install, using them for your heating and cooling can reduce your energy costs significantly throughout the year.
- Minimal maintenance: Your heat pump system will need to be checked annually to ensure all the components are working optimally. The maintenance can be performed by an HVAC specialist but can also be done on your own. As with most HVAC options, the filters should be checked and replaced according to the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain efficiency and air quality.
- Improved safety: Since there is no combustion in the operation of a heat pump, they have fewer safety concerns than natural gas options.
- Lower emissions: You will have lower carbon emissions when you use a heat pump for your home's heating and cooling needs. This can help to lower the overall carbon footprint of your home since energy costs account for a significant portion of home energy use.
- Long life span: Most heat pumps can last 14 to 15 years without seeing any significant problems or repairs. With some heat pumps, the lifespan is reported to be 35 years or longer, but these models tend to require a more substantial upfront investment.
- Eligible rebates: Since The Department of Energy sees heat pumps as an environmentally friendly and high-efficiency option, purchasing one makes you eligible for several rebates and incentives, such as the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive.
What are the downsides to a heat pump system?
While there are many advantages to choosing a heat pump for your home heating needs, there are some drawbacks to picking this option. Some of the biggest cons of choosing a heat pump system include:
- High upfront costs: Heat pumps and the cost to install them can be significant. While much of this cost can be recouped on the energy bill savings, the initial investment can be high for many homeowners.
- Complex installation: Heat pumps are significantly more complicated to install, especially if they are ground source. Some systems require research time, and the installation can sometimes cause a disruption.
- Issues in extreme cold: Heat pumps can heat and cool your home, but they are best in areas with more temperate weather. Heat pumps may be able to heat your home during frigid temperatures, but they would no longer be doing it as efficiently. You can check the Seasonal Performance Factor of your heat pump to see if it is properly rated for your area.
- Not suitable for every home: While a heat pump system can be an excellent option for many home heating needs, it is not ideal for all homes. Homes with poorer insulation may not see the same benefits of a heat pump as homes with the proper insulation.
- Electric bills may increase: If you have previously used a natural gas option for heating your home, you may notice that your electric bills may rise significantly after switching. Eventually, the savings in gas use should offset this increased cost, reducing your overall energy costs per year.
What are the best heat pumps for sale?
There are a variety of brands and types of heat pumps on the market, and choosing the right one will be determined by many factors. Even though your specific situation may determine the best heat pump, two brands have received some of the highest reviews in recent years for their heat pump offerings.
Goodman
One of the highest-rated HVAC brands in the industry is Goodman, so it is no surprise that they have been reported to have the best heat pump options on the market for the past several years. They provide energy-efficient options for larger and smaller homes and have a robust warranty to protect your investment.
Their heat pumps have a reputation for their reliability and minimal maintenance that is recommended only once per year. They provide 59,500 BTUs for heating and 56,500 BTUs for cooling. Their systems are Energy Star certified and have a higher SEER rating.
Special features of their heat pumps include:
- High and low-pressure switches
- Built-in comfort diagnostics
- ComfortBridge technology
- SmartShift technology with short-cycle protection
Carrier
Carrier is another highly-rated brand name in the heat pump space. They are known to provide HVAC options to help homeowners get a handle on their energy consumption and save money on their yearly energy costs. Their systems are also known for their high levels of efficiency.
Their heat pump has a capacity of up to 37,300 BTUs for cooling and 35,200 BTUs for heating. They are also Energy Star certified and boast a high SEER rating as well.
Carrier heat pumps also offer some unique features, such as:
- Greenspeed Intelligence
- A variable-speed compressor
- Silencer System II design
- Non-ozone depleting Puron refrigerant
Find the perfect heat pump at Superior Home Supplies
Don't let another season pass by while you struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Contact Superior Home Supplies today to find out how a heat pump can provide you with the heating and cooling solutions you are looking for or which system will best suit your needs. We have a huge selection of heat pumps for sale and will find the perfect solution for your home.
