When it’s cold outside, you probably don’t feel like spending a lot of time indoors. You want to keep your house warm, but heating it can be expensive and energy-hungry. In the winter, electric space heaters and wood stoves are also very wasteful. Heat pumps help you stay warm without using as much energy or money as other heating methods. Read on to learn more about how these home appliances work and their many applications.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an appliance that changes the temperature of the air inside your home. It’s a little like an air conditioner on steroids. With a heat pump, you can keep your home at a temperature that’s comfortable for you and your family, even when it’s hot outside. A heat pump also reduces humidity levels in the air, which means it won’t feel quite as muggy as an air conditioner would. Heat pumps are most commonly used in areas that experience very cold winters, such as the Upper Midwest, where temperatures can get very low. This is because heat pumps can lower a home’s temperature down to about -7°F. If you live in a place where temperatures get very cold, you may want to consider investing in a heat pump. Heat pumps are also a great option if you live in an area that gets very hot in the summer, such as the Southwest or the Southwest Intermont. You’ll find that heat pumps can keep your home much more comfortable than traditional air conditioners.
Types of Heat Pumps
There are two main types of heat pumps: portable, which can be moved to another room, and central, which requires an installation location. Portable heat pumps can be moved to another room or outdoors. They are also commonly referred to as rooftop units or roof heat pumps. Central heat pumps are installed indoors and can be a ductless heat pump. Central units are best suited for spaces such as garages, basements, and other out-of-the-way areas.
How a Heat Pump Works?
The most common type of heat pump uses refrigerants (a liquid and a gas) to change the temperature of outside air and expel that air into your home. The refrigerant has a lower boiling point than the temperature of the air inside your home. As a result, it absorbs heat from the air inside your home and changes the air temperature. In the process, it releases heat and humidity into the air, which results in a lower indoor temperature. If you live in a humid area, a heat pump can keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It can also keep your indoor air clean and fresh, which is especially beneficial if you have allergies or asthma.
Advantages of Using a Heat Pump
- Heating with a heat pump is usually cheaper than using electricity or natural gas to heat a similar indoor environment.
- Heat pumps provide clean, indoor air, which is beneficial for your allergies, breathing, and general health.
- You can also use a heat pump to cool an outdoor area during the hot summer months.
- Heat pumps often run quietly.
- Heating your home with a heat pump is carbon-free.
- Heat pumps are often installed by a professional for free.
Disadvantages of Using a Heat Pump
- You’ll have to pay for a qualified installer to install the system.
- If the outside temperature is too hot, the air coming into your home will be too warm.
- You’ll have to change the air filter in your furnace every year.
- In many cities, you’ll have to pay a monthly fee to use your heat pump.
- There are certain areas you can’t heat with a heat pump.
Heating with a Heat Pump vs. Heating with Electric Heat
It’s important to note that a heat pump designed to heat your home is not the same as a regular electric heat pump. A typical gas or electric heat pump cools your home in the summer and heats it in the winter. A heat pump that can heat your home can be more expensive and is less energy efficient. Heat pumps designed to heat your home will have a much lower heat output than a regular electric heat pump. They will also be much noisier and less efficient at keeping your home warm.
Conclusion
Heat pumps are often overlooked as a heating option. That’s a mistake because they can greatly reduce your home heating costs, while also providing indoor air quality benefits for your health. Heat pumps also require very little maintenance, so they’re an excellent option for people who don’t like to spend a lot of time maintaining their homes. Heat pumps are a great way to stay warm during the winter and cool down during the summer. These home appliances help you save money and keep your indoor air clean.
