Heat Pumps
A Guide to the Best Heating Solutions
In moderate climates, where separate air conditioning and heaters are not required, heat pumps are the practical and affordable solution to provide heat during cold weather, without the necessity of installing stand-alone heaters. The ability to cool the air as well as heating using the same pumps in a single housing are known as heat pumps. A heat pump eliminates the requirement of the installation of a separate air conditioning plant, resulting in significant cost savings. Hybrid or composite solutions have the advantages of a separate heater and replaces the air conditioner with an exterior heat pump.
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The key determinate of which heating and cooling system is the most cost-effective and practical solution is the climate and temperature variance where the home is located. When remodeling or upgrading an existing home, today’s heat pumps are much more efficient than ever. As the productive lifespan of a heat pump may approach 20 years, the relatively simple exchange of a new heat pump central unit for the old central unit can realize immediate cost savings. If the home improvement plan includes the replacement of the heat pump, it may be worth while to investigate the option of the hybrid system. While slightly more expensive, having a truly warm home in the cold winter months may very well be worth the investment.
In climates with a wide range of temperature change during the year – when it’s cold, it’s very cold and when it’s hot, it’s very hot – a split system with separate air conditioner and heater is the only viable solution for total interior climate control. The same is true of the extreme climates of the north and south, where only heating or only cooling is strictly necessary. However, the vast majority of the US is in the moderate zone, and they are the homes that are best served by heat pumps. When installing exterior heat pumps, be sure to be aware of the pest control requirements to keep your new equipment safe.
Modern technology has increased heating and cooling efficiency ratios and lowered the cost-to-operate and shortened the return on investment time considerably. With extended warranties, modern systems can remain serviceable even longer.
Installing a heat pump is not a trivial task; it is better left to a professional contractor with access to the proper tools and equipment. If self-installation of only the central unit, then it may be practical for an experienced homeowner, renting tools/equipment for the more esoteric parts of the installation is a good idea.
