Maybe you have heard a technician mention a heat pump, or maybe you’ve seen them advertised. Maybe you have noticed homes for sale with heat pumps instead of furnaces. Have you ever wondered, “What IS a heat pump?”
If you haven’t ever studied HVAC technology, it’s understandable that you might not be familiar with heat pumps and their pros and cons. Here is a beginner’s guide to heat pumps from our team of HVAC experts at On Time Home Services.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a device with the capability to both heat and cools your home by transferring air at the desired temperature indoors. In warm climates, it is an alternative to a furnace or boiler. It transfers heat from the air outdoors to the inside of your home rather than generating heat itself. A heat pump system consists of an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit that looks similar to a traditional air conditioner.
How does a heat pump work?
Even when the temperature outside feels cold, there is heat energy in the air particles. A heat pump extracts this outside heat and transfers it inside your home to increase the temperature indoors. This can be an ideal heating solution for areas where cold weather is infrequent and mild. In cold climates, many people use heat pumps for air conditioning during the summer. They can transfer the heat energy out of an indoor space to lower the temperature as well.
What is the difference between a heat pump and a furnace?
While a furnace burns fuel to generate heat, a heat pump just works with existing heat energy and transfers the air. Most furnaces are powered with gas, while heat pumps are powered with electricity. Because heat pumps need so little energy to adjust the temperature, they can be an excellent way to reduce utility bills. Running a heat pump costs significantly less than running a furnace. However, heat pumps are only ideal for climates with mild winter weather.
Is a heat pump right for my home?
If you live in a climate with lots of snow or temperatures below freezing, we recommend a heating system that generates warmer temperatures, like a furnace. If you live near our service area in Temecula, California, a heat pump could be an excellent money-saving heating solution for your home.
Are you interested in adding a heat pump system to your home?
If the question “what is a heat pump?” has been driving you crazy, we hope this guide helped clear up some of your questions. If you think a heat pump could be perfect for your home, call On Time today and speak to one of our NATE-certified HVAC technicians. We will be happy to provide you with all of the information you need to make the right decision for your family.
Are you looking for professional HVAC services near Temecula, California? On Time Home Services has a team of NATE-certified and experienced HVAC technicians who are here to help service your furnace or heat pump this winter! Give us a call at (949) 649-8777