Common Questions Regarding Heat Pumps
The system of choice for heating and cooling a home has been a central AC system for decades. Most central AC systems use a furnace to heat the home and a standard air compressor for cooling. While these systems are popular for various reasons, there have been exciting developments in some alternatives to a central AC and furnace.
Heat pumps are rapidly becoming popular for heating and cooling. With a full set of benefits and various options, many homeowners are choosing to make the switch. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners understand what heat pumps are and why they may be a great choice for the home.
Defining a Heat Pump
In a standard air conditioner, refrigerant is compressed and cooled. When it evaporates inside the evaporator coil, warm air from the home transfers its heat into the chilled refrigerant. The refrigerant is quickly warmed and is transferred outside, where the heat is blown away into the atmosphere. This cycle repeats endlessly to provide cool air for the home.
With a heat pump, the air conditioner operates the same. The refrigerant is pumping heat out of the home. To heat the home, the cycle is simply reversed. This allows one set of equipment to heat and cool the home, forgoing fossil fuels or expensive electrical resistance and using only electrical power.
Benefits of Heating and Cooling with Heat Pumps
Heat pump technology is set to replace furnaces for heating. With fossil fuels falling out of favor with many people due to environmental concerns and high costs, heat pumps make a great alternative. Some of the reasons that people are choosing heat pumps are:
- Versatility: Heat pump technology is being put into systems designed for any space or restriction. With ductless mini splits, heat pumps can heat and cool a space not designed for bulky ductwork or other heating and cooling options.
- Compatibility: For owners who want the convenience of their current central AC system, heat pumps can be installed in place of outdated AC and furnace systems.
- Reliability: Heat pumps use the same equipment all year long. While it might seem that this doubles the wear and tear, it keeps things lubricated and moving, leading to better reliability.
- Efficiency: The best furnaces available reach 96% efficiency. Heat pumps are rated at up to 300X the efficiency of furnaces. Heat pumps are the way to go for lower bills and a better carbon footprint.
When Is Heat Pump Repair Needed?
Heat pumps are generally more reliable than other AC and heating options but will eventually have problems. Luckily, when caring for an AC system and spotting signs that it is having trouble, there is nothing new to learn. Just like a typical AC system, the signs that heat pump repairs are necessary are:
- Air quality issues
- Long cycles
- High bills
- New or unusual noises
- Leaks
- No power to the unit or poor performance
About Crowe’s Comfort Solutions
Crowe’s Comfort Solutions can find a heat pump for any space. Their qualified crews offer flat-rate pricing on installations and repairs. Call today for HVAC service in Pooler, GA.
