Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners for Residential
Heat Pumps vs Air Conditioners – How Do You Choose?
With changing weather patterns, we now require more energy efficient ways to keep our homes temperate. Fans and space heaters help but they increase energy costs and can’t be left on without someone around.
The question we are left with is, which cooling system is better for your home—a heat pump or air conditioner? There’s no simple answer to that question. We need to look at each individual home’s energy needs before knowing which cooling system is right for your home.
Call us today for a complimentary estimate of your home energy needs or a consultation with one of our expert technicians .
Indoor Air Conditioners
Indoor Air Conditioner Systems
Whether buying a house that needs a new air conditioner or the unit in your home is simply at the end of its lifespan (10-15 years), there are many benefits to consider if thinking of installing a new air conditioner.
Some homeowners are hesitant to install a new air conditioner because of the cost, but AC units are a worthwhile investment. Central air conditioners work far more efficiently than window AC units, and can save you money.
Central air conditioners create a more comfortable living environment. Because of their small size, window air conditioners only cool down the room they are in. Central air conditioners circulate cool air throughout the entire house, evenly distributing it in every room for consistent comfort. They also dehumidify the air going into your home, eliminating dampness and providing relief from hot, humid summer air.
Central air conditioners stay mostly out of sight. The compressor is generally around the side of your house and the evaporator is either packaged with the compressor or stowed away in an HVAC closet in your home.
Selecting an air conditioning unit is an important decision. You should understand the pros and cons as well as carefully weigh out the costs.
Ceiling Mounted Air Conditioner Vent
Wall Mount Air Conditioner with Remote
Air Conditioner Mounted on Outside House Wall
If you chose to install central air conditioning, there are several different types of vents available for circulating the air around the home.
Also available are portable, wall mounted air conditioners with remote control. These units have their compressors vented out the ceiling or mounted on the outside wall of a building (see image on the right).
Heat Pumps
Outdoor Mounted Air Conditioner and Heat Pump
Heat pumps both heat and cool your home. They are an extremely energy efficient way to keep your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. They are more environmentally-friendly than a furnace or central air conditioner and are easy to use.
A heat pump will be a primary heating and cooling source for your home, making it an investment from one season to the next. Instead of converting electricity into cool air (and raising your energy bills), heat pumps absorb coldness from the ground and bring that cooled air into your home.
Furnaces push out air at temperatures in the 90’s to heat up the home, but heat pumps distribute air (taken from outdoors) at the desired temperature to heat a home. The air coming out feels cool yet still can bring a home temperature into the comfortable 70’s.
Heat pumps provide consistent heating throughout the home. They are cost effective and can lower your energy bills. The cost of the system and installation are usually saved within 5 – 6 years of use.
A heat pump can provide heating and cooling year round, but you will still need to install a furnace as a backup. If temperatures drop below freezing, then there is not enough heat in the air to sufficiently heat the home. If this happens the backup furnace (electric or gas) will kick in to provide the heat needed.
Heat pumps must be installed by experienced professionals to ensure that the system works correctly and efficiently in order to ensure maximum savings. Call us today for your complimentary estimate or consultation.