Some people live in areas that experience distinct seasons that require separate air conditioning and heating systems for their cooling and heating needs. However, what if you live in an area that has a relatively constant climate that does not require a separate heating system or air conditioner for months at a time? In this situation, a heat pump can provide your cooling and heating needs.
How a Heat Pump Operates
The primary function of a heat pump is the transference of heat from one place to another, being able to both heat and cool. Heat pumps work on the basic standard that heat is present in the air, even when the outside temperatures may be really low. During the winter season, a heat pump draws heat out of the air outdoors and distributes it inside the home. On warmer days that require cooler temperatures inside your home, the heat pump works in reverse. It pulls heat from inside your home and deposits it outside.
Traditional furnaces give off more heat than a heat pump so this means the heat pump can stay on longer, providing a softer heat that circulates better through the home. The good news is that heat pumps use the same type of thermostat as central forced air heating systems, so you can buy the thermostat of your choice, preferably a programmable one.
If a day is especially cold, the heat pump does not have a lot of warmth to draw from outdoors. Therefore, for these smaller, colder periods of time, a secondary heater kicks on to increase warmth. There are new storage thermal unit for heat pumps that have the ability to store heat and cold for when you need it during peak times.
Installing a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are the most viable heating and cooling solution for your home if you live in a moderate to mild climate. For colder climates that actually experience winter temperatures, you likely will need a traditional boiler or central air furnace. Quite similar to the installation of traditional central air conditioning system, the heat pump will be located outdoors. It will connect to the ductwork of your home so that the air extracted from the air and heated or cooled can circulate around your home. If you have existing ductwork, heat pump installation becomes quite easy.
Heat pumps provide many benefits namely the easy upkeep. Other heating systems may have a furnace or boiler and condenser to maintain while the heat pump is all within one unit, making repair costs and work a lot less all around. Electric heat pumps are the norm and are a lot more energy efficient than other heating systems. However, you can expend a little more cash and go green with a geothermal heat pump too. Another side benefit is the fact that humidity is better controlled with a heat pump over other traditional heating and cooling mechanisms. Therefore, your climate inside the home is always comfortable.
