All About Heat Pumps
Energy bills are a major concern for most homeowners. During the winter, gas bills can go through the roof as the furnace works to keep a home cool. Likewise, more people than ever are aware of the negative impacts of fossil fuel usage on the climate. Many seek opportunities to switch to more efficient systems powered by renewable resources.
One of the most effective upgrades that homeowners can make that impacts both the cost of operation and the carbon output of a home is the heating and cooling systems. New HVAC systems powered by heat pump technology can lower bills and reduce a home’s reliance on fossil fuels.
What Is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps have been in use and under development for decades. However, they have only recently become competitive with traditional heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps utilize a stable heat source to help recycle refrigerant for heating and cooling. Deep wells were drilled to provide this source in the past, but with new developments, heat pumps can now use outdoor air for this purpose.
Heat pumps absorb energy from outdoor air or a comparable heat source. While it may not make sense that there is heat energy outside on a cold day, through the thermodynamics of refrigerants, enough heat can be absorbed to be pumped into the home to keep it warm on the coldest days. If this process sounds familiar, it is identical to the process used to cool homes in the summer, except that the refrigerant flow is reversed.
Benefits of Heat Pump Installation
Switching to something new is never an easy decision, especially when choosing a new heating and cooling system for the home, which is as consequential as choosing a new one. However, knowing the benefits of heat pumps, in particular, can help homeowners make educated decisions when the time comes. Some of the benefits of switching to heat pumps are:
- Energy Efficiency: Highly efficient heating and cooling systems are cheaper to operate monthly. Likewise, heat pump bills are much less prone to fluctuations than gas bills for furnaces.
- Lower Carbon Emissions: Heat pumps use far less energy per thermal unit than gas furnaces, making them up to 300 times more efficient. This drastically lowers a home's carbon emissions.
- Versatility: Heat pumps can directly replace central heating and cooling systems or be used in ductless mini-split heat pumps to heat and cool individual spaces with no place for ductwork.
- Quiet Operation: Some furnaces sound like jet engines firing up. Heat pumps are much quieter, comparable to the typical noise production of a central AC.
Signs You Need Heat Pump Repair
Heat pumps operate all year, so sometimes they show wear and tear. Eventually, all mechanical devices will need repairs, and heat pumps will be no different. Luckily, the signs that heat pump repairs are needed are familiar to anyone in a home. They can include things like:
- High energy bills
- No heating or cooling power
- Poor indoor air quality
- New noises
- Loud operation
- No power to the thermostat or unit
A quick call to a local technician can help keep things running smoothly when these signs arise.
About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air
Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air offers heat pump installation and repair services to customers who switched. They specialize in custom-tailored solutions for plumbing and HVAC customers. Call and schedule for heat pump services in St. George, UT.
