If you’re building a home or have the unfortunate luck of needing to replace both your central air conditioner and heat source at the same time, you might be curious about the mysterious heat pump. Once a semi-effective way of heating in the most temperate of climates, the sophisticated heat pumps of 2016 now have it all—they can heat in cold, Northern climates and cool even the swampiest regions of the south.
Here are three things to know if you’re considering a heat pump:
- Heat pumps come in three different options: You can buy a single speed, dual speed or variable speed heat pump. Dual speed heat pumps are good, and variable speed heat pumps are excellent. Exactly which type of heat pump you’ll need and what type of backup heat source you’ll require will depend greatly on your home and location. There’s also a ductless mini-split option available for areas in a home without ductwork.
- Heat pumps don’t create heat. Unlike traditional furnaces, heat pumps transfer air instead of combusting with fuel to heat it. Heat pumps collect available heat energy from the outside air, even if it’s cold outside, and move it into your home, creating an even, moderate heating system.
- Heat pumps are excellent air conditioners. Despite their name, heat pumps are far more efficient than air conditioners at cooling and much better at dehumidification, a big factor in helping your home feel cool.
It’s important to learn all the details before purchasing a heat pump. Talk to a reputable local HVAC contractor to decide what’s right for you.
