Heat Pumps Compared to Other Options
If you’re getting ready to update your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, you may have heard about the benefits of a heat pump. Learning more about how they work can help you decide if that’s the best option for your home.
Finding the best heating and cooling system for you depends on the climate where you live, what you can afford to install, and the cost of running the units. We’ve put together a guide to help you learn more about heat pumps, compare them to other systems, and decide if they’re a better option for you than a traditional furnace or AC unit.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a type of HVAC system that can both heat and cool your home. Heat pumps are designed to exchange indoor and outdoor air to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. There are three types of heat pumps:
- Air-source heat pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Water-source heat pumps
Most people use air-source heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps work much better in colder climates, but they’re more expensive to install because they’re buried in the ground. To use a water-source heat pump, you have to live near a source of running water where the pump can be installed.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Heat pumps are designed to move air between the indoors and the outdoors. They have two units, an indoor and an outdoor unit, that work together to accomplish this. Here’s how a heat pump works:
Winter
In the winter, when temperatures are cold outside, you need to heat the air inside your home. Heat pumps pull heat from the outside air and bring it inside, using a compressed refrigerant to increase heat energy. They can operate even in very cold temperatures.
Summer
When your home starts to warm up in the summer, heat pumps can send hot air out of your house into the already warm outdoors. The refrigerant in the indoor evaporator coil increases the cool temperature in your home.
Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps
For many households, heat pumps are an excellent investment. However, like every other HVAC option, heat pumps have both pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview so you can see the advantages and disadvantages of installing a heat pump for your home:
Pros
Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient, especially when they’re cooling your home during warm seasons. They can also reduce your heating costs during mild winters, giving you dual benefits out of a single appliance. Because they produce so much cooling for so little energy, they’re good for the environment.
Cons
Compared to many other HVAC options, heat pumps are generally more expensive to purchase and install. They usually need a backup furnace for colder days when using a furnace is more energy efficient. Because they have more parts than other appliances, they sometimes require more maintenance.
If you’re debating about purchasing a heat pump or a furnace and air conditioning combination, keep reading for more detailed information.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace
Should you invest in a heat pump or a furnace? The best option depends on your climate and how much you want to spend on heating. Although heat pumps are more expensive to install, they can operate on less electricity than furnaces except in very cold weather.
Most homeowners who install a heat pump also have an electric furnace as a backup because of this difference. When it becomes more energy efficient for the furnace to be on, their heating system will switch. However, in mild climates, a heat pump can save you a significant amount of electricity year-round.
Types of Furnaces
If you’re interested in purchasing a furnace, it’s important to consider the different kinds available. A furnace can run on any of the following fuel types:
- Natural gas
- Electricity
- Propane
- Oil
Furnaces are reliable and work well in colder climates. However, homeowners who install a furnace will need a separate AC system to cool their house in the summer — a furnace is only useful for heating.
The most energy-efficient furnace depends on your climate and the resources in your area. Gas furnaces are often the best choice for cold climates. Oil and propane furnaces can be expensive to run because homeowners have to purchase and store their fuel.
A geothermal heat pump can provide reliable heating throughout the winter without needing a furnace backup. However, these systems are still relatively expensive, so most homeowners choose air-source heat pumps instead.
Heat Pump vs. AC Unit
Both heat pumps and air conditioners run on electricity and can keep your home cool at a low cost. However, heat pumps can both cool and heat your home, while air conditioners are only equipped to cool it.
Although heat pumps are more expensive to install, they can help lower your energy bills because they’re so efficient. If you live somewhere with predominantly warm weather, heat pumps are a more affordable option in the long term.
Types of Air Conditioners
There are several types of air conditioners you can use to cool your home:
- AC units
- Central air
- Portable AC units
Although some homeowners have central air with ductwork, others rely on window or portable AC units. Some air conditioning systems have built-in filters that can help purify indoor air. However, modern heat pumps have started to incorporate this feature as well.
Are Heat Pumps Worth It?
If you live in a warm or mild climate, heat pumps are likely worth the initial installation costs. They’ll reduce your energy bills for heating and cooling and benefit the environment by using less energy.
For households in colder climates, a heat pump with a backup furnace could be the most cost-efficient option. However, that depends on your specific weather and the available fuel options. In some cases, investing in a traditional furnace and air conditioning system may be more cost-effective.
Call Meeks Heating and Air for Heat Pump Installation or Repair
At Meeks Heating and Air, we provide HVAC services in Metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. We’re family-owned and operated and want to help you stay comfortable in your home.
We work on heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioning, and other HVAC systems. Our services include HVAC design and installation, replacement, maintenance, and repairs.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump in your home, we can help you determine whether it’s the best choice. Request an estimate today from Meeks Heating and Air!
