If you are having problems with your central air conditioner and furnace, you may be nervous about the thought of replacing two systems at the same time. To save money on a new system and labor expenses, it may be beneficial to invest in a heat pump system.
Our expert technicians are here for youSchedule Online TodayA heat pump is integrated with a compressor and liquid refrigerant that is designed to move heat energy from a single location to another. During the winter season, a heat pump will remove heat energy from the outdoor air and pump it to different rooms in your house. To help you choose a new system for your home, we have compiled a list of the benefits and drawbacks of investing in a heat pump system.
4 Advantages of Installing a Heat Pump Does Not Use GasAlthough a gas furnace is designed to provide heat at a faster rate than electric appliances, this type of furnace is vulnerable to toxic gas leaks that can cause fires or explosions. On the other hand, investing in a heat pump that runs on electricity will help protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning and other health issues.
Minimal NoiseUnlike a furnace and central air conditioner, an advantage of buying an electrical heat pump is that it’s designed to produce a minimal amount of noise when it’s operating. A standard air conditioner operates at 60 decibels. On the other hand, an energy-efficient air source heat pump runs at 40 decibels.
If you are looking for ways to replace an old noisy air conditioner, you may want to consider purchasing a heat pump system or a ductless mini-split unit. While a heat pump system produces minimal noises while it’s on, this type of system is also engineered to be efficient. Heat pumps utilize less electricity when compared to other types of systems.
Electric heat pump systems are becoming increasingly popular because they do not rely on fossil fuels to produce warm and cold air. A benefit of investing in an air-source heat pump is that you will utilize less electricity or natural gas when compared to other types of systems. Purchasing a heat pump will help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses that are released into the environment each year.
In addition, installing a heat pump instead of a furnace or central air conditioner can help you save money on your utility bills. The total amount of money you will save by purchasing a heat pump will vary depending on the cost of natural gas in your area, number of windows in your home, climate, season, and type of insulation behind your walls.
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Produces Warm & Cold AirThe cost of maintaining and installing a separate furnace and air conditioner is expensive. In addition, a central air conditioner takes up a lot of space on the side of your house or in your backyard.
If you’re investigating the pros and cons of buying a heat pump, you are probably aware that this type of system is engineered to produce warm and cold air. Instead of wasting money on labor expenses for a furnace or air conditioner, we recommend saving money on installation fees by purchasing a single system that relies on electricity.
Other Advantages of Heat PumpsAlthough it may be safer to run a heat pump in comparison to a gas furnace or boiler, an electric air-source heat pump system can become inoperable during a power outage. On the other hand, choosing to purchase a traditional furnace will not save you from the negative consequences of electrical distribution issues.
The latest furnaces are equipped with electric igniters such as hot surface igniters and intermittent pilot lights. Since the newest furnaces utilize electric igniters to produce warm air, they will become unusable during a power outage.
High Upfront CostA disadvantage of installing a heat pump includes a high upfront cost for the HVAC system. The cost to purchase and install a heat pump system ranges from $15,000 to $20,000 depending on the efficiency rating of the system, layout of your house, brand, and the season. For example, it may be more expensive to purchase a heat pump at the beginning of winter because the demand for this type of system is up.
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Uses a Small Amount of CarbonWhile a heat pump does not rely on natural gas or propane to operate, this type of system is not carbon neutral because it utilizes a large amount of electricity to provide warm and cold air to your home. The only way to eliminate the carbon emissions produced by your system is to integrate your heat pump with solar panels that are installed on your roof or in your backyard.
If you are struggling with whether or not to purchase a heat pump, give our team a call by phone at (484) 206-8594. Our professionals offer remarkable HVAC services in Norristown, PA and will help you compare the benefits and drawbacks of air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps.
We offer dependable HVAC services for homes in Pennsylvania such as furnace repair, heat pump replacement, heating system installation, and air conditioning tune-up. Our team has the tools and equipment necessary to diagnose and resolve a problem with your heating or air conditioning system.
While heat pump technology has been around for decades, the modern heat pump’s rise to popularity as an alternative to traditional HVAC systems is a relatively recent phenomenon.
Backed by federal tax credits and other rebates, there has been a push in recent years to entice more homeowners to switch to heat pumps. Heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant instead of fossil fuels to produce heat during the cold-weather seasons, potentially making them an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly HVAC option.
While there are many reasons why heat pumps are a compelling heating and cooling option, it’s important to note that they may not be suitable for everyone based on certain factors. HVAC.com explores the pros and cons of heat pumps to help homeowners decide whether one is right for their home and budget.
When you receive a quote for a new heat pump system, QuoteScore from HVAC.com will thoroughly analyze it to determine what’s good, what’s not, and recommend clear next steps. Your QuoteScore report will help you understand if the proposal is fair so you can buy with confidence.
While about 20 million homes in the United States use heat pumps, many homeowners don’t understand how heat pumps operate and what climates they may be best suited for. One of the biggest differences to know between heat pumps and traditional HVAC systems is that heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling functions for year-round comfort.
So, how do heat pumps work? Air-source heat pumps exchange heat between the inside and outside of a home. During the warmer months, heat pumps work similarly to central air conditioning systems, using refrigerant to remove warm indoor air and transport it outside through the compressor. During the cold months, heat pumps use a reversing valve to switch the flow of refrigerant. The refrigerant extracts warmth from the outside air to provide heating for a home.
One of the perceived drawbacks of traditional air-source heat pumps is that they don’t operate as effectively once the temperature dips below about 40 degrees, requiring a backup heating source such as electric resistance heating or a gas furnace on those really chilly days. Dual fuel HVAC systems combine an electric heat pump with a gas furnace, which is typically the best option for comfort and price for those who live in climates that see temperatures drop to freezing during the winter.
However, recent technological advancements have made some heat pumps significantly more efficient in the winter. Cold-weather heat pumps utilize advanced compressors and refrigerants that are optimized for low-temperature operation, allowing them to maintain high electrical efficiency even in cold temperatures.
Some of the reasons to consider a heat pump include:
One of the primary benefits of heat pumps is their energy efficiency during the cold-weather seasons, primarily when the outside temperature is 40-60 degrees. Unlike traditional furnaces, which burn natural gas or oil to produce heat, air-source heat pumps transfer heat from outdoors to the inside of homes to provide warmth, using only electricity and refrigerant. This process makes heat pumps highly efficient and environmentally friendly, potentially reducing monthly energy costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heat pumps can reduce electricity use by about 65% compared to resistance heating, including baseboard heaters and electric furnaces. The DOE estimates homeowners can save as much as $500 per year by switching to a heat pump, with factors such as your home’s size, efficiency, and the local climate determining exact savings amounts.
Offering both heating and cooling, heat pumps are a year-round home comfort solution for homes in certain climates. In mild winter climates such as the South and Southeast, heat pumps can often eliminate the need for separate heating and cooling systems, allowing homeowners to fully capitalize on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of heat pumps.
The federal government is offering substantial heat pump tax credits and rebates for the cost of buying and installing a heat pump. Homeowners can receive a 30% tax credit of up to $2,000 for new heat pumps. Significant rebates are also available for low- and middle-income Americans.
According to the DOE, heat pumps outperform traditional central air conditioners in dehumidifying the air, leading to enhanced comfort and reduced energy expenses.
Heat pumps don't rely on fossil fuels to produce heat, making them an environmentally friendly HVAC option.
Some of the disadvantages of heat pumps include:
As outdoor temperatures dip below 40 degrees, the efficiency of older or traditional heat pumps decreases due to the refrigerant’s reduced ability to absorb and release heat. This decline in efficiency can lead to higher energy costs, prompting the need for a backup electric heating element or a gas furnace (dual fuel system), especially in colder climates in the Midwest and Northeast.
However, even in relatively mild winter climates, most heat pumps require an auxiliary heating option – such as an electric resistance heating element – for days the temperature drops around freezing, which can increase system price.
Another factor that can lower heat pump efficiency during the heating season is the system’s defrost mode, which kicks on to melt ice and snow. When this occurs, the heat pump will use electric resistance heating to warm homes, which can elevate energy expenses.
Cold-weather heat pumps can operate more efficiently in below-freezing temperatures but are typically more expensive.
While long-term savings are possible, the initial installation costs of a heat pump is often higher compared to traditional HVAC systems. Homeowners should carefully weigh the upfront expenses against the expected efficiency gains and long-term benefits, especially if they live in a colder climate and require a backup heating source.
Heat pumps can sometimes be noisier than alternative heating systems due to the outdoor unit’s compressor and fan operation. However, advancements in technology have led to quieter models. Proper maintenance and installation can also help reduce noise levels.
Buying a new HVAC system is a significant financial investment, so you want to choose the system that best fits your home comfort needs and budget. If you’re considering buying a heat pump, carefully weigh the pros and cons of heat pumps with a qualified HVAC contractor. By understanding how heat pumps perform under different conditions, homeowners can make well-informed decisions that match their climate needs and energy-efficiency goals.