Between 1940 and 1970, oil and gas furnaces slowly started to replace coal furnaces because they were cleaner and more convenient for home heating. In today’s 21st-century world, a transition is taking place to use a more energy-efficient alternative to oil and gas furnaces and electric heaters: heat pumps.
How Does It Work?
Heat pumps can heat and cool spaces in many climates while reducing carbon emissions. Unlike furnaces, whose only function is heating, heat pumps operate all year round, taking care of both the heating and cooling.
Using electricity, a heat pump transfers heat from a cool space to a warm space. As a result, a cool space turns cooler, and a warm space becomes warmer. During the heating process, it moves heat from outdoors into your house. On the other hand, during the cooling process, it moves heat from inside your home, directing it outdoors.
Heat pumps are effective in keeping comfortable temperatures inside houses and other types of spaces because they transfer heat instead of generating heat.
Parts of a Heat Pump
A ducted heat pump has two main parts: the air handler and the heat pump itself. The air handler is placed inside your home or any type of space, while the heat pump is installed outside. To absorb and release heat, refrigerant flows through tubing between the two units or parts. In winter, warm air enters the heating ducts, while cool air enters in summer.
For split-ductless systems, also called mini-splits, there can be one to four air handlers. These are installed high on a wall, which eliminates the need for air ducts throughout the house. And because there is no energy loss associated with ductwork, ductless systems can be 30% more efficient.
Types of Heat Pumps
- Ducted Air-Source Heat Pumps – Air-source heat pumps are the most common type used across the United States. It transfers heat between your home and the outside air and is two to three times more efficient than a system that burns fossil fuels, such as oil or gas.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), modern heat pumps can reduce electricity consumption by approximately 65%. This is compared to electric resistance heating (ERH), which includes the use of furnaces and baseboard heaters. In addition, heat pumps that are highly efficient dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, which means less energy usage and cooler summer months.
- Ductless Air-Source Heat Pumps – Also called a mini-split heat pump, this is a version used in homes and other spaces without ducts.
Previously, air-source heat pumps were not efficient enough to work in cold climates and areas with extended periods of subfreezing temperatures. However, due to technological advancements, they are now widely used as a home heating system in colder regions. Keep in mind, though, that some systems need auxiliary heating, especially when temperatures fall below 40° F.
- Geothermal Heat Pumps – This type of heat pump works by transferring heat between your property and the ground or a nearby water source. Also called a ground-source or water-source heat pump, it can be used in more extreme climates than air-source heat pumps.
The installation of a geothermal heat pump costs more, but you won’t be spending as much for its operation because it utilizes constant ground or water temperatures. It can reduce energy use by 70-80%, is sturdy and reliable, and can control humidity. Whether you can use this type of heat pump, however, will depend on the size of your lot, its subsoil, and the landscape.
- Absorption Heat Pumps – These are also called gas-fired heat pumps, and they use heat or thermal energy as their source of energy. Essentially, they work like air-source heat pumps, but they are not driven by electricity but by heat sources, such as natural gas, geothermal-heated water, propane, or solar-heated water.
Turn to HVAC Professionals for Your Home Heating Needs
Ensure your home heating system is in excellent condition, and keep your family comfortable and warm with the help of reliable HVAC technicians in your area. You need a trusted and experienced HVAC company that will safely and efficiently handle all of your heating and cooling needs, such as installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement.
