You know that it’s time to replace your air conditioner, but did you know that you have a variety of options besides the standard central air conditioning system? More and more homeowners are switching to heat pumps because of their versatility and many other benefits.
A heat pump is particularly great because it uses a different refrigerant function that allows it to work as both an air conditioner and heater for your home. If you’re interested in learning more about how heat pumps work, you can keep reading. Then give our team a call to schedule your in-home assessment.
How a Heat Pump Works
The heat pump system has a reversing valve that allows it to switch between heating and cooling. Instead of producing heat the way a furnace would, your heat pump simply reverses the direction of refrigerant. Instead of transferring heat outside of your home, and absorbs heat from the outside and brings it in as a method of heating.
While this is an extremely efficient way of producing heat, it may not be enough on the coldest days of the year. Many times, our team will install a miniature furnace alongside your heat pump for the added heating boost on days when you need it. Without the small add-on furnace, your home may not get as warm as you want it to on the coldest days of winter.
Heat Pump Benefits
But aside from this one potential pitfall, heat pumps offer many great benefits. They are very affordable to install, so the price is comparable to other types of HVAC systems you may also be researching. In fact, when you consider that you may have to install a separate heater and air conditioner, a heat pump may be cheaper even with the small additional furnace.
Energy Efficiency
Because of the way they operate, heat pumps are particularly energy efficient. You can save money on your monthly energy bills, especially when you have the heat pump set to heat in the cooler months. But even in summer, a heat pump is one of the more efficient systems that you can invest in.
Comfort
Heat pumps also offer elevated comfort. Because they are so efficient, they can pull your home down more effectively than other types of air conditioners. They don’t have to work as hard to produce results and the way that they transfer hot air outside can help your home to feel cooler during the summer.
This could mean that you have the option of setting your thermostat slightly higher than you otherwise would, while still enjoying the same level of cooling. This in turn saves you even more on your monthly energy bills while also reducing wear and tear to the system.
Lifespan
And when your heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard, it can last longer. The average lifespan of a heat pump is around 15 years, but they can easily last for 20 years or longer with proper care and maintenance. And let’s face it, a heat pump is an expensive upfront investment, so you want to get as much life as possible out of it.
Contact RKM Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with us. Done Right, Priced Right.