Today’s homeowner has more than one choice for efficient HVAC operation. Energy efficiency is a major priority in the design and engineering of all air conditioners and furnaces now. Still, some options may be more preferable than others depending on variables such as the local climate and the existing system installed in the home.
Electric heat pumps that integrate cooling and heating functions in a single unit are an increasingly popular choice for efficient HVAC operation. In winter, the unit’s exterior coil extracts latent heat energy from outdoor air, a compressor cycle intensifies the heat, and warmth is then dispersed into the house by an indoor coil. In summer, the heat pump functions in reverse to produce cooling as the unit operates as a standard central AC — and hopefully as an efficient HVAC unit.
Heat Pump Perks
- Reduced energy consumption. Radiant heating elements in a standard electric furnace are significant electricity consumers. A heat pump doesn’t utilize radiant heat and consumes only enough electrical power to operate the system compressor and fan.
- Lower monthly costs. If the local climate does not require backup heating — or only on rare occasions — the monthly expense of operating a heat pump is substantially lower than electric heating. In moderate winter temperatures, the electricity costs of a heat pump are more than 25% less than a standard electric furnace.
- Simplified maintenance. Since a heat pump handles both the heating and cooling requirements of the house, routine maintenance and upkeep are limited to a single unit. In the event of any mechanical problems, diagnosis and repair are also simplified.
Can a Heat Pump Generate Enough Heat?
Heat pumps deserve a caveat when it comes to effectiveness in lower temperatures: A typical midrange heat pump generates adequate heat to warm a house if outdoor temperatures remain above 30 degrees. Below that temperature, the heating capacity of a heat pump declines steadily and a backup heat source — either electric heating coils inside the unit or an external, standby gas or electric furnace — is usually required to maintain adequate indoor warmth.
For more information about efficient HVAC options like a heat pump, talk to the professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services.
