We’re in the midst of summer, and if you’re reading this blog post now, then chances are that you’re in a bit of a hurry to get a new air conditioner! This isn’t, however, a purchase you want to rush into. Doing so could leave you with an inefficient system, or an air conditioner that isn’t correctly matched for your specific home and needs. It may not even be sized correctly, which causes a whole host of other problems.
Plus, you may find that you would benefit from a whole different type of air conditioner altogether–the heat pump system! This is actually a 2-in-1 HVAC system that not only cools your home but also efficiently heats your home. When you’re ready to learn more about air conditioning in Cedar Falls, IA, don’t look any further than our team. Read on to learn more about these highly efficient and effective HVAC systems.
How Do They Work?
The key difference between a standard AC and a heat pump is the heat pump’s reversing valve. A heat pump works very similarly to a standard central air conditioner in that it draws hot air out of your home, to put it through a refrigerant process that eventually cools your home. The difference is, however, that this reversing valve switches the flow of refrigerant to provide your living space with adequate heat, too.
The Benefits of a Heat Pump
If you’re sweltering in the middle of the summer, the term “heat pump” might not be appealing, but here are a few compelling reasons why you should make the switch:
- Cost: Heat pumps are best known for being a cost-effective alternative to traditional furnace heating. This reputation rings true. If you’re upgrading from a furnace the investment will pay for itself within a matter of a few short years.
- Practicality: A big advantage of a heat pump setup is that it can be used year-round to moderately adjust temperatures in your home.
- Flexibility: There are several types of heat pumps including air source, geothermal, ductless, and absorption pumps that can accommodate almost any home.
- Air-source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump. They transfer heat in or out of the home, like we described above, based on the desired temperature set on your thermostat. Today’s air-source heat pumps may be used even in extreme weather conditions.
- Geothermal heat pumps are ground or water-sourced heat pumps that use the earth’s temperature as the cooling or heating medium rather than the outside air. This technology works because no matter how extreme the temperatures are above ground, the temperature a few feet below the ground remains relatively mild and constant.
- Ductless heat pumps are like traditional air source pumps but they operate without the use of ductwork, using multiple air handlers installed throughout the house instead to adjust the temperature.
- Absorption heat pumps are air-source pumps powered by a heat source rather than electricity. These heat pumps are less common, but can be powered by any heat source (propane, natural gas, and solar or geothermal heated water) and are most often put in homes that don’t have an electricity source.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.