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Heat pumps are becoming more common, and for a good reason. In the summer, a heat pump can function as an air conditioner; in the winter, it can work as a heater. During the colder months, a heat pump can heat your home efficiently. There are undoubtedly many advantages to getting a heat pump, but there are also some disadvantages.
Advantages of a Heat Pump
As we just mentioned, a heat pump can heat your home without using too much energy. Its efficiency is a major reason why this type of system has gained a lot of fans in recent years, especially since energy costs have risen in some places.
A heat pump typically uses less energy than a traditional heating system because it doesn’t have to generate heat. Instead, it transfers heat. It does so with refrigerant, a material that can get very cold and absorb heat easily. This refrigerant is contained in a closed set of pipes that run outside or go underneath the ground, depending on what kind of system has been set up.
When the outside temperature or the ground temperature is warmer than the refrigerant, heat can be transferred to the refrigerant. The refrigerant can then bring that heat into your home. In contrast, a traditional heating system has to make its own heat. This process isn’t that cheap, nor is it very efficient.
In addition to being efficient, a heat pump is convenient. When you install a heat pump at your place, you are essentially giving yourself a way to both heat and cool your home. You won’t have to worry about keeping up with two separate systems.
Further, a heat pump is very versatile. There are so many types of heat pumps available in the market. Some are compatible with homes with existing ductwork, and some are ideal for homes that don’t have any ductwork. This means you don’t have to modify your home significantly when you get a heat pump.
Disadvantages of a Heat Pump
The main disadvantage of a heat pump has to do with its price. Heat pumps can be relatively expensive. Some customers are hesitant about having them installed because of their high upfront costs.
The installation of this type of HVAC system can be quite involved. This can be especially true if you have a ground-source, or geothermal, system put in on your property. A lot of work must be done to figure out exactly where to dig and how to configure the system. On that note, keep in mind that an air-source heat pump may be more straightforward to install than a geothermal system.
In the past, some heat pumps were vulnerable to icing in the winter. This was much more likely to occur when the temperatures dropped very low. Icing interferes with the system and has the potential to cause significant damage. Fortunately, most modern heat pumps now have automatic defrosting features that prevent this from happening. Still, it’s something to watch out for.
Extreme winter temperatures can also put extra strain on a heat pump. When a heat pump has to work hard in the winter, it uses more electricity. Once the temperature drops below 35 degrees, the heat pump starts to lose efficiency. When the temperature drops below zero, the heat pump may not be able to keep your home as warm as you like.
The good news is that the industry has made big strides in recent years. There are now many types of heat pumps that are well-suited for cold climates.
Turn to Us for Assistance
If you have questions about heat pumps, feel free to reach out to our team. At Denver Pro Mechanical, we offer heat pump installation, repair, and maintenance services to people in the Aurora area. We can also help you with your furnace, air conditioner, and humidifier. If you’re dealing with an emergency, we’re available 24 hours a day.
We have more than 50 years of experience in the industry, and we’re proud to be a family-owned and -operated business. We’re always working hard to meet the needs of our local customers. This dedication to what we do has allowed us to build a reputation for being a trustworthy and reliable company. Please call us for more information or to schedule a consultation.
