Despite what their name suggests, heat pumps are used for a number of different purposes (other than just heating). These include humidity control and air conditioning. During the winter season, heat pumps move the heat from the surroundings inside the home. Then, during the summer season, they transfer the heat from the inside to the outside. So in a way, heat pumps are heat moving devices. However, before you get a heat pump, it is important to know all the basics. This also includes information about heat pump repair and all its basic types.
A heat pump buying guide for starters
In this article, we put together all the information that you need before buying a heat pump for your house.
How many types of heat pumps are there?
In general, there are three different types of heat pumps. These include the split ductless, geothermal, and air source heat pumps. Regardless of the type, it is very important for you to get these installed by professional heat pump companies. This is because technicians at such companies will be able to figure out the proper size and type for your climate/home.
A little about air source heat pumps
Air-source heat pumps are the most commonly used heating equipment. These include two parts. These are an outdoor unit and an indoor one (air handler). Where, the outdoor unit is referred to as the heat pump itself. It makes use of a refrigerant which is circulated between two tubing units. This refrigerant releases the heat after absorbing it, as it moves through the tubes in an alternate way.
Air source heat pumps are extremely efficient, and can reduce the costs of heating/cooling by as much as 50 percent. Furthermore, they can also be used to dehumidify the environment better than regular air conditioners.
Split-ductless heat pumps
Split ductless heat pumps feature two units that include a condenser/compressor, and a number of indoor air handlers. Usually, the indoor units are placed up high on the walls and are operated using a remote controller. These heat pumps are also referred to as mini splits.
Usually, these systems do not have any requirements for ductwork. As a result of this, they are quite practical for use in a single room. These are quite efficient, as they can help you in saving as much as 30% of your cooling/heating costs.
However, the cost of installation HVAC repair of these systems can be far higher as compared to other similar systems. However, some federal incentives can help you in reducing the initial costs of installation.
Geothermal heat pumps
Also0 referred to as water source or ground heat pumps, these systems transfer the heat across a number of pipes that run horizontally or vertically in loops. These pipes feature a solution of water that gets heated up by the earth’s temperature, which is constant at 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
These systems can reduce your home’s energy costs by as much as 25 to 50 percent, depending on the climate and region that you are situated in.
However, for small lots and use in certain regions, geothermal heat pumps may not be the most suitable. Initially, their installation can cost up to $20000 which is a huge sum of money.
Ending note
Do remember that the initial costs of installation is not all that you will have to pay. Rather, you should expect to call in heat pump repair services Arlington VA at least a couple of times after installation. This is because a faulty system will simply reduce the efficiency of transferring heat in and out. Consequently, you will not save as much as you should.
