Heat Pumps – What are they and How do they Work?
Looking for an alternate way to heat and cool your home that is reliable and more energy efficient? It might be time to consider a heat pump. Innovation and advances in technology have made heat pumps a viable option for homes and businesses located in areas that experience low temperatures. But what exactly is a heat pump and how does it work.
What is a Heat Pump?
Traditional HVAC equipment (furnace and air conditioner) heat and cool air that is pulled into the system and forced through ductwork in a home or building. Heat pumps pull heat from the air and transport it inside or outside, depending on the season. It essentially moves heat instead of generating heat. Even in cold outdoor temperatures, there is heat in the air. A heat pump extracts that heat and moves it indoors. During warmer months, it reverses its function, removing heat from indoor air and forcing it outside. Powered by electricity, fuel consumption is significantly lower than that of a traditional HVAC system. In addition, because a heat pump is extracting heat instead of generating heat, it can cost as little as a quarter of the operating cost associated with a standard system.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Another type of heat pump that taps into natural resources is the geothermal type. These units transfer heat the same way, by extracting it, but they source heat from the ground. Ground temperatures deep below the surface offer relatively consistent temperatures allowing Geothermal Heat Pumps consistent heat capture ability. This translates into significant savings in operating costs. Geothermal Heat Pumps can reduce energy costs by up to 60%. They also provide excellent humidity control. While Geothermal Heat Pumps are more expensive to install than traditional HVAC units, the cost savings over time can be great.
Learn more about Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are not for everyone, but they can be an excellent choice for some home and business owners. They distribute heat more evenly throughout a controlled space and are significantly more energy efficient than traditional HVAC equipment. Improvements in their ability to draw heat from low temps have made them a viable option for Midwest customers. Call the heat pump experts at Westerhouse Heating and Cooling in Eudora, KS to learn more. They are more than willing to answer questions and help determine if a heat pump is the right choice. Westerhouse serves Eudora, De Soto, Johnson County, Lawrence and the surrounding areas. Call (785) 542-2707 or contact Westerhouse online to get started on energy savings with a heat pump today.
