Heat Pump Pros & Cons: A Guide For Homeowners

Heat pumps are becoming a more favored heating & cooling technology for homeowners aiming to cut down on energy expenses while enhancing the comfort of their residences. Since their popularity increase is relatively recent, most homeowners don’t know much about how they work, or why they should get one.

This article will explain what a heat pump is, and give you a comprehensive guide on heat pump pros and cons that you should consider when deciding if you should add one to your home. If you’re interested in lowering your utility bills and helping the environment, keep on reading!

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an electric climate control system that extracts heat from a surrounding heat source such as air, water or the ground, and then amplifies and transfers it to a different area.

Even in cold weather, outdoor air, soil or water contains a certain amount of thermal energy that can be converted to heat, and a heat pump can extract that heat, amplify it with compressed refrigerant, and transfer it inside. Unlike a furnace, a heat pump does not create heat, making it much more energy efficient.

One of the coolest parts of a heat pump is that it can heat OR cool your home by reversing the flow of refrigerant. When summer comes, heat pumps can cool your home by extract heat from inside your home and transferring it outside!

Key term: Refrigerant

Refrigerants are not only used for cooling, as the name would suggest. Refrigerant is a working fluid that has chemical properties that allow it to efficiently absorb and hold heat. In a conventional air conditioner, refrigerant absorbs heat from outside air, cooling the air so it can be transferred inside and cool the home. A heat pump uses refrigerant to absorb heat, compresses the refrigerant to increase the temperature, then transfers the refrigerant elsewhere to disperse the heat – indoors in winter, outdoors in summer.

Types of Heat Pumps

There are three main types of heat pumps available: air source, ground source, and water source. Water source is very uncommon and will not be covered for purposes of brevity. Aquarius Home Services only installs and services air source heat pumps.

Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)

For heating and cooling homes, air source heat pumps utilize the outside air as a sustainable energy source. Air source heat pumps can be used in all regions. However, they might be less effective in colder areas because they depend on outdoor temperatures.

Many homeowners find that ASHPs are more affordable because they require less maintenance than other heat pumps. ASHPs are relatively easy to install than other solutions because they don’t need any new infrastructure, such as water wells or underground piping.

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)

Ground source heat pump utilizes the earth’s natural thermal properties by using underground pipes that absorb warmth from the soil or groundwater to provide heating and cooling requirements inside your home.

Because of their complicated installation process, GSHPs are more expensive than other systems. But GSHPs offer higher efficiency ratings even in cold weather, making them the best choice for people who live in cooler areas and wish to save as much energy as possible all year.

Ground source heat pumps are labor intensive to install because they require digging and underground installations. For this reason, they are best used when installed on newly constructed homes.

Pros of Heat Pumps

When heating your home on cold days, you want an energy-efficient, cost-effective, and reliable system. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is the heat pump. Here are some benefits of installing a heat pump in your home.

Cost Saving

Heat pumps can save homeowners money on utility bills because they use less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems. They provide cost savings by transferring heat from one area to another, which can significantly reduce your electricity usage.

Eco-Friendly

Heat pumps are seen as more environmentally friendly than conventional furnaces because they rely on renewable energy sources like air or ground temperatures to produce warm and cold air rather than burning fossil fuels like oil or natural gas for their power source. As a result, these units emit significantly less carbon dioxide than traditional HVAC systems.

Energy Efficient

Using the heat already present in a room rather than adding more heat will significantly cut down on energy use and optimize cost savings. In addition, many models have smart capabilities that let them change the temperature settings based on the weather outside or the number of people occupying the house.

Heat pumps offer a great way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint. Though the initial outlay may be pricey, numerous benefits make them worth considering for anyone searching for an energy-efficient heating solution.

Quiet Operation

If you have an older AC unit, it is probably quite loud when operating. A properly installed, modern heat pump is no louder than an electric fan making them much less obtrusive when close to your patio or near an open window.

Cons of Heat Pumps

While heat pumps can be an efficient and cost-effective way to heat and cool your home, there are several cons to consider as a homeowner.

High Initial Cost

Heat pumps are an excellent method to reduce energy bills but they are expensive. Depending on the size and type, it might cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $10,000 to install heat pumps. This drawback is somewhat eased by tax incentives and utility rebates. Installing an energy-efficient system like a heat pump may qualify for tax incentives from federal and local governments, as well as rebates from electrical utility companies.

Limited Efficiency in Cold Weather

Regardless of the outside temperature, heat pumps are generally effective in moving heat from one location to another. But their effectiveness dramatically drops when the outside temperature drops below freezing. In these conditions, compared to conventional heating systems like gas furnaces or boilers, it is less successful at providing constant warmth inside your home.

A backup heating system may be necessary for a heat pump to offer adequate warmth in frigid climates. It is common for heat pump buyers to keep their gas furnace and use it sparingly when the weather gets too cold for the heat pump to adequately warm the home. The heat pump allows the homeowner to drastically reduce the amount of gas used by the furnace as it is only needed for especially cold weather.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Heat Pump System

When considering the factors in choosing a heat pump system, it is essential to consider climate and location, size and capacity requirements, and budget and financing options.

Climate and Location

Heat pumps are the most effective in moderate areas with relatively constant temperatures all year. A more robust system might be required for regions with high temperatures to ensure adequate heating and cooling all year.

Size and Capacity

It’s essential to accurately estimate the size and capacity needs of your heat pump based on variables like the size of your home, the number of rooms that need to be heated or cooled, the degree of insulation, the local temperature, etc. Before making a choice, be sure to seek the advice of a qualified HVAC professional.

Budget and Financing Options

The cost of a heat pump system might vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and the amenities it has to offer. Make sure you understand all the terms of these offers before signing anything. Many manufacturers provide appealing financing solutions with low-interest rates.

Consider a Heat Pump Today!

Heat pumps may be a wise choice for those wishing to save money on energy costs and lessen their environmental impact. Heat pumps have a lot of advantages over other heating methods, making them an appealing choice despite certain disadvantages, including a high initial cost and maintenance requirements.

If you’re considering a heat pump for your home, Aquarius Home Services can help you choose the right one. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experts and learn more about the best heat pumps for your home.