Using Energy Efficient Appliances in All ClimatesUsing Energy Efficient Appliances in All Climates
Heat pumps are operated by electricity, but unlike electric heaters, they are far more efficient. Instead of directly converting energy from power, heat pumps disperse heat that’s already there in the outdoor environment so that you don’t have to. They can also be used in conjunction with air conditioners and even with solar panels for a natural, environmentally-friendly way to cool your home.
Purpose
The way that heat pumps work is by utilizing the natural exchange of heat between hot air and cold air. If you live in a cold climate, then you are more likely to experience heat loss during the summer months. This is because, in cooler climates, warm air cannot circulate as effectively. Because of this, it does not heat as quickly as it would in warmer climates. The speed at which heat pumps are most efficient in cooler climates is during the spring and fall months. During these months, they are most efficient, as they are taking advantage of natural exchange to heat the air.
In warmer climates, heat pumps are often used in conjunction with air conditioners. Air conditioners are designed to regulate the temperature inside of a building to keep it from becoming too hot or cold. They are also sometimes used in areas of high humidity to help lower indoor temperatures. While both of these types of cooling equipment are highly effective, heat pumps are sometimes used instead. Heat pumps are extremely efficient in all areas of a home, regardless of the climates present.
Cost
Before you consider any heat pump installation cost, you should take into consideration the total cost of a new furnace or boiler. A new furnace will probably cost substantially more than a simple heat pump upgrade. Even if you are willing to spend a little more on a new furnace or boiler, installing a heat pump is a good investment. If you have a conventional furnace that uses natural gas or propane gas as a fuel source, then you may want to look into getting a dual fuel system instead of just a heat pump upgrade.
Before You Install a Heat Pump
If you live in mild or moderate climates, you may not have many options. In areas where winters are cold and summers are hot, a heat pump is an excellent choice. It can keep your home at a comfortable temperature even in temperatures that are uncomfortable during the summer months. The best kinds of air-source heat pumps can heat an entire house even in extremely cold climates. These are often used in homes with high ceilings and many rooms that are off the floor or have low ceilings.
If you have a traditional furnace that uses oil, natural gas, or electricity to heat your home, then you need to make some upgrades to your existing furnace. Older furnaces are not able to keep up with the extreme demands that homes put on them. It would be necessary to replace the furnace, as well as all of your other heating systems. In most cases, upgrading a single unit to include both a gas furnace and an electric furnace is the most cost-effective way to heat your home.
Benefits
One benefit of heat pumps is that they require very little maintenance after they are installed. Unlike furnaces, they run on electricity and do not burn fuel. For this reason, they do not contribute to pollution. If you have an air-source heat pump, then you can install it anywhere in your home. There are some things to keep in mind though. Your heat pump can only heat the space that it draws within, so if you want to heat your whole home, then you will need to have multiple units.…