Heat Pump Systems: A Guide for Home Owners

There are so many different ways to heat a house. From fireplaces to furnaces, homeowners have a range of different choices. But, which is the best one for your house? You have probably heard of a heating pump, but could you tell it apart from a boiler or a furnace?

In this blog, you will learn about heat pump systems, how they work, the kind of systems available, and the best system that will work in your house.

Air-source heating systems

This heat pump system absorbs warmth from the outside air, transferring it in the house. When the heat is moved indoors, the system causes the inside areas to feel a little warmer.

To cool the house, the heating pump draws the heat from the house, sending it to the outdoors. By getting rid of the heat, your house feels colder.

Geothermal heat pumps

Geothermal heat pumps utilize underground heating as an energy source. These systems make use of a ground loop for tapping into the natural ground heat and moving it up to the heat pump of the house, where it is moved indoors for warming up the area.

Such pumps can also pull heat from a close by water source having consistent temperatures, such as a pond or a lake. The heat is transferred into the house.

Are heat pumps right for your house?

Not every house is right for a heat pump system. In some conditions, the system may not provide the required efficiency, and some other kind of heating system may be more realistic.

Climate:

Air-source heating systems only run effectively when the outside weather conditions are above freezing. It is not a good idea to choose a heat pump when temperatures drop below thirty two degrees.

In areas where the temperatures start to reach freezing points, air-source makes excellent primary heating systems. However, you must install a backup system like a gas furnace, which can be used at times when temperatures reach freezing. A HVAC expert can install controls that shut down the heating pump automatically if temperatures drop or reach below freezing point.

Ductwork

If you plan on switching to geothermal pump from a conservative forced air cooling and heating system, you can reuse the existing ductwork of your house. In case you do not have any ductwork installed inside the house, the additional expense of getting ductwork installed may make conventional heat pump systems an expensive choice.

A mini-split ductless heat pump system pumps heat inside the house without any ductwork. Separate indoor units fixed on ceilings or walls connect to the outdoor condenser. House owners benefit hugely from the savings geothermal pumps offer and their characteristic zoned comfort control.

With the right knowledge about heat pump system, you are better equipped for making the right buying decision for a new cooling and heating system for your house. Also, make sure you hire a trustworthy contractor to perform the installation for you, for best results.