It’s no surprise that New Jersey weather fluctuates, especially during the fall, and many people wonder if installing a heat pump would be a more efficient option. Heat pumps are becoming more common because they are able to act as a heating system when it’s colder out and a cooling system when it’s warmer. Heat pumps offer a bunch of benefits and could be a great addition to your home.
What Is A Heat Pump?
A heat pump moves heat from one place to another and is typically installed outside. Heat pumps transfer heat between the outside and inside of your home, so there is no costly fuel usage and potentially harmful byproducts like fumes or carbon monoxide.
How Does A Heat Pump Work?
Heat pumps pump heat from one place to another using a gas refrigerant. Heat is typically derived from outside sources and pumped inside. In the summertime, a heat pump works as a normal air conditioner, working by removing heat from the inside of your home and transferring it outdoors. During the colder months, this is reversed, collecting heat from the outdoor air and transferring it inside.
What Types of Heat Pumps Are There?
The two most popular types of heat pumps are air-source and ground-source. Air-source heat pumps are able to transmit heat between indoor and outdoor air, while ground-source heat pumps transmit heat between inside your home and the ground outside. Ground-source heat pumps can become more costly, but they tend to be more efficient since the temperature of the ground stays pretty consistent yearly.
Components of A Heat Pump
Heat pumps are made up of two main components, consisting of an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit carries a compressor that distributes the refrigerant, absorbing and releasing heat as it progresses between both units.
Gas Furnace vs. Heat Pump
While both of these options create heat, they do it differently. We know that a heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat from one location to another. A gas furnace burns fuel, thus creating heat. This makes a heat pump a lot more energy efficient than a gas furnace. Heat pumps are also able to both heat and cool your home, while gas furnaces can only heat your home. So, many people tend to install a heat pump to save space in their homes and to be able to use it year-round.
The environmental impact is also another big difference. Since heat pumps run on electricity, they emit no harmful emissions that have been known to lead to climate change.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
Heat Pumps Save Space
Since they handle both the heating and cooling of your home, you don’t need two separate systems that can take up space. So, if you’re looking for a two-in-one HVAC system, a heat pump is a great option.
Energy Efficiency
As mentioned before, heat pumps navigate by transferring air from one place to another. In the winter, they gather any warmth left in the air from outside and move it indoors. This process saves you a ton of energy use, which leads to decreased monthly energy costs.
Environmentally Friendly
Heat pumps do not burn fossil fuels, therefore they are more environmentally friendly than furnaces.
They Aren’t Loud
While traditional HVAC systems are pretty loud, heat pumps are a lot quieter. This makes heat pumps a lot more comfortable to use compared to other HVAC systems.
Year-Round Comfort
Since heat pumps provide both heating and cooling benefits, you are able to live comfortably in your home year-round without having to worry about how the weather is going to affect your home.
How Much Does A Heat Pump Cost?
There are a few things that are important to consider when pricing out your new heat pump, including:
- Size – Heat pump capacity is measured in tons, and you must find the right size for your home.
- Brand of heat pump – Different brands range in price, so it is important to browse the market and find the best heat pump brand for you.
- Installation process – You will need an HVAC contractor in order to install a heat pump, and labor costs can vary depending on the type of heat pump used.
- Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) – This shows how efficiently a heat pump heats and cools your home
Heat Pumps Are A Great Option to Heat Your Home!
Heat pumps offer a wide range of benefits and are a great option for those looking to heat and cool their homes efficiently. The installation of heat pumps is the most important step in ensuring a long and efficient life, so it is crucial to have the process completed by a professional. If you are interested in heat pump installation, feel free to contact NJ Refrigeration today to discuss your home heating needs.
