Heat Pumps: Are they suitable for my home?
Heat pumps are highly efficient and effective at moving heat from one location to another. Most people prefer them over other heating modes because they produce no carbon dioxide, making them environmentally friendly. They also save energy because they redirect heat that is already present to where it is most needed.
Heat pumps use heat from the outside to heat a home. How so? They absorb thermal energy from their surroundings and direct it into an enclosed space. They transfer heat from a cool to a warm area, cooling the cool space while increasing the warmth in the warmer space. Pumped by a compressor, the refrigerant moves between two heat exchanger coils. This happens in a consistent evaporation and condensation process.
Places where Heat Pumps work best 
Heat pumps work well because of thermal energy’s nature; it exists in the air even when it feels too cold. They work in different geographies. However, they are not known to work well in cold climates, especially during winter. Their nature and design make it easier for them to operate in areas where the temperatures are not likely to fall below the freezing point. This explains their popularity in the South and South West of the United States.
However, this is not supposed to mean that they cannot work well in other parts of the country. They are not like the furnaces (that will only start working after the temperature is below freezing). With them, your home will be warm and comfortable even during the coldest of days.
At what temperatures do they work at their best?
A heat pump works at its best when the temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it will still depend on the season you are currently experiencing. For example, during the winter months, you will have to run the heat pump on a temperature range of 20 and 22. If you want to run it during the night, you can drop the temperature setting to at least 16 degrees Fahrenheit. On the contrary, for you to run the pumps even during the night in the summer, you will have to increase the setting further.
At what temperature will a heat pump not be effective?
Yes, even the coldest of air has thermal energy in it. However, there are times when the temperatures drop too low for the pumps to work at an optimal condition. Therefore, when the outdoor temperatures are as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the pumps may not work at their best. However, this does not mean that the pump will not run. The only problem is that the system will require more energy to heat your interiors.
What are the benefits of using heat pumps?
- They have lower running costs
- Their energy efficiency is unmatched
- They require fewer maintenance services
- They are environmentally friendly due to minimal carbon emissions
- They can also provide cooling
- They have a long life span
Conclusion
Heat pumps are the ideal options for you to meet all your home’s warmth and cooling requirements. With the proper maintenance, they will serve the purposes while consuming way less energy.
Rice Heating and Air is a full-service heating and air conditioning company headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses staying comfortable year-round. We are your comfort experts.
Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
