A heat pump, a component of a central heating and cooling system, takes the heat from outside and transfers it to inside the building. This process can provide both space heating and cooling in a single system, and it’s more efficient than most standard air conditioners.
How It Works
Heat pumps use a refrigerant (like the ones you’ve probably seen in your fridge) to absorb heat from the air and distribute it throughout a home. They come in different forms, from the most basic “air-source” systems to more complicated “ground-source” or “water-source” models.
The most common kind of heat pump is an air-source unit. It’s fairly basic: it uses a fan and two sets of refrigerant-filled coils to move air from the outside over the coils indoors, where it’s cooled down by a compressor.
An air-source heat pump can be a stand-alone unit, or it can be part of a larger system installed on the roof of a building with ductwork extending through the walls. It’s also a good choice for commercial buildings because it can heat or cool a large area more efficiently than a gas-burning furnace.
ENERGY STAR certified heat pumps are up to 30% more energy-efficient than standard air conditioners. They’ll save you money over the long run, especially if you choose to install a solar PV system to power your home in the summer.
It’s a Green Technology
Many of the best heat pumps on the market are made using low-global warming potential refrigerants. These include hydrocarbons like propane and butane, which pose less of a climate risk than the gases in the traditional refrigerants R-410A and R-1203.
They’re also a great option for anyone who’s looking to reduce their carbon footprint. A recent study found that if every American household switched to a heat pump, they’d cut their CO2 emissions by about a third over the next 20 years.
But Heat Pumps Aren’t Cheap
If you’re looking to upgrade your home with a more energy-efficient system, you may be put off by the upfront costs of a heat pump. They can cost several thousand dollars, which is quite a lot of money for a simple window AC unit.
That said, it’s still a lot cheaper than replacing your old furnace or central air conditioning system. Even if you’re not replacing your existing system, a high-efficiency heat pump can make your old one obsolete and will pay for itself in energy savings within a couple of years.
It’s the Greenest Way to Warm and Cool Your Home
A heat pump is an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioners and furnaces, reducing your carbon footprint and your heating bill. It’s also a clean-energy technology that doesn’t produce any hazardous emissions, making it a great choice for people who want to live a greener life without sacrificing their comfort.
As with all major energy-saving technologies, you need to consider a variety of factors when choosing a heat pump for your home. These include your property’s size and layout, the current state of its insulation and other features, your current heating and cooling load, and the efficiency of the system in place. It’s important to have a professional install your new system to ensure it’s working properly and safely.