Heat pumps are relatively efficient when it comes to heating or cooling a house. As a result of this, they have grown a lot in popularity over the last decade. However, many people still do not understand how heat pumps work, even though they are quite familiar with air conditioners. While they are very efficient, they require regular maintenance. So, know that you will have to reach out to heat pump repair services every season.
At the same time, there are a number of benefits of heat pumps. Perhaps, the biggest benefit is that heat pumps allow you to save a significant amount of costs. For instance, you can qualify for a tax credit of $300 or more.
Since most people are not aware of how heat pumps work, they do not know what the best buying habits are. We have written this buying guide with the sole purpose of helping these people out.
Should you buy a heat pump for your home?
Well, whether it is worth it to buy a heat pump or not depends on a range of different factors. Among these, the climate is the biggest factor. At the same time, the fuel costs are also a big factor. Having insulation in your house and other features that save energy can also make a big difference.
Typically, if you live in a very cold climate, then a heat pump may not be worth it. Usually, they are the most effective when they are saving energy. In a very cold climate, the house requires more heat than what goes out. As a result of this, heat pumps are not very efficient at low outdoor temperatures.
Different heat pump options
There are a number of heat pump options that you have. Some of these may be more efficient as compared to the other. So, what should we choose? Well, the most efficient pumps tend to controls for variable capacity. Hence, this allows you to avoid running the system on its full capacity at all times.
Zoned heating and cooling
Zoned heating and cooling is a new concept. When you are using a zoned system, you control the airflow that is sent to different zones very independently, throughout the day.
Two-speed compressors
Two-speed compressors only let heat pumps to work at a given capacity at a particular time. At the same time, heat pumps that have standard compressors work at only their maximum capacity. By using this feature, you can save a lot of costs. However, it also results in a lot of wear and tear, due to which regular maintenance is very important.
Variable-speed motors
Also referred to as dual-speed motor heat pumps, these heat pumps carry motors on the outdoor fans, blowers, or something on both. This maintains a very constant air velocity which allows you to save a lot on the bill. Another benefit is reduced noise, which prevents the blower from running at its full speed all the time.
Some heat pumps also come with a ‘desuperheater’, which makes use of the heat that is wasted by the cooling mode. This heat is then used to heat the water at a faster rate, which increases the efficiency significantly.
Ending note
Having a heat pump installed in your house means that you will need a heat pump repair Long Beach quite often. This suggests that there will be some repair costs associated with it. So, be ready to spend on it. However, if all your conditions are right, then a heat pump can save you more than what you will spend on its repair in a season. So, consider all the factors before buying one.