Have you heard that heat pumps could be more effective and efficient, but you're not sure if it's the right choice for you? Royal Heating and Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have the answers for you! For some, installing a heat pump could make a big positive impact on your energy costs and system efficiency. For others, it might be best to keep their current system. Keep reading to find out which group you're in!
Heat Pumps, Explained
Heat Pumps are all-in-one heating and air conditioning systems. They are unique from a traditional furnace in that way – they can also be used for cooling! Basically, heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another. When they're operating to heat your home, they transfer heat energy from outside (from the air, the ground, or water) to the interior of your home. When a heat pump is operating to cool your home, it's transferring heat from inside your home, circulating it over cooling coils, and blowing the cooled air back into your house (similar to how a traditional air conditioner works).
PROS: Why You SHOULD Get a Heat Pump
A great benefit to using a heat pump is that they are an energy-efficient way to both heat and cool your home. This is because of the way they function, by drawing heat from the environment as a source of renewable energy. Also, having one unit to service instead of both an air conditioner and a furnace could help cut costs over time.
You can also combine a heat pump with a furnace for a hybrid heat system in climates that get below freezing regularly and for long periods of time.
CONS: Why You Might NOT Want a Heat Pump
Some drawbacks to a heat pump are that they are working year-round and can wear out more quickly than an air conditioner. Again, heat pumps are doing the job of both the air conditioner and the furnace.
You may also notice that the system seems like it is always running, or that the air coming through the vent does not feel hot. This is because heat pumps provide a more constant flow of warm air over time, keeping your home at a constant temperature.
Heat Pump Maintenance Info.
To keep your heat pump happy, there are a few steps you’ll want to take...
Keep the thermostat set at a constant temperature. Frequently changing it could put an extra burden on your unit. If you do change the temperature throughout the day, try to limit it to twice a day. For example, when you leave work and when you return home.
Choose a temperature range that is manageable for your system – above 65 degrees in the summer and below 70 in the winter. Your system may have difficulty keeping up and could cause a frozen coil or condensation in the home in the winter.
Keep your heat pump as clean as possible. Remove snow build-up, ice, and any debris accumulating on or around the unit. Blockages can cause the system to overwork and begin to malfunction.
Schedule regular maintenance with Royal Heating & Air to ensure your heat pump is working efficiently. Your unit should be checked once a year at a minimum. It’s best to have us come out every season to ensure it is ready for the changing temperatures.
Pricing for Heat Pumps vs. Traditional Systems
To compare pricing on heat pumps and traditional HVAC systems, you have to consider several factors to know which one will cost you more in the long run. It's not just about upfront cost, it is also about efficiency and what it costs to run each type of unit where you live. Here in Missouri, that can be tricky. If you live somewhere that often has extreme heat and rarely gets below freezing, the heat pump is a no brainer. But if you have more days below freezing days than above 90 degrees, then a traditional HVAC system may make more sense. In Missouri we get quite a mix. So another consideration is whether you need to replace the heating OR cooling part of your system... Or both. Because a heat pump can work as both a heating and cooling system for your home, it may be more cost-effective (especially in the short-term) to get a heat pump for your home.
