A heat pump can be a vital part of your home’s HVAC system. It utilizes air from the outside to heat your home during the winter and it can also cool homes during the summer. Are you curious about how a heat pump differs from a traditional furnace or air conditioner? This guide explains answers to common questions regarding heat pumps to decide if this apparatus is right for you.

Heat Pump Q&A

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump moves warm air between the inside and outside of your house. During the winter, heat is present even in cold air. The heat pump retrieves this energy and brings in inside where it disburses via the HVAC system. In summer, the pump can move hot air outside, which helps the house stay cool.

What is the difference between a heat pump and a furnace?

A furnace will use fuel like gas, oil, or electricity, to create heat. The warmth transfers through the home’s HVAC system. Additionally, a furnace doesn’t cool air during summer.

The pump doesn’t generate heat, but it does move the warm air around. While it needs electricity to operate, it does not consume fuel like a traditional furnace does, so it’s more cost effective.

What type of systems are available?

The most common type of heat pump runs on electricity. It gathers heat energy from either the air, or an air-to-air system. Air-to-air systems can be used alone in moderate climates, or they can be used as part of a larger HVAC system.

Some pumps use geothermal energy, which means they can gather heat from the water or ground. These geothermal pumps are cost effective because they use less energy. They also control humidity well and are reliable in extreme climates. The soil and landscape of the property determine whether a geothermal pump is appropriate.

What are some advantages of heat pumps?

Besides the potential for major energy savings, modern heat pumps also offer other advantages. Dual speed fans keep air moving consistently which minimizes cold drafts and can be more cost effective than one that cycle on and off. Variable fans can be quieter overall for less ambient noise.

Models with “desuperheaters” recover unused heat from the cooling mode and they utilize this warmth to raise the temperature of household water. These models warm more effectively than water heaters. If you use scroll compressors rather than pistons in these models, they are quiet, long-lasting, and they can reach higher temperatures.

Heat pumps can offer cost savings as part of an HVAC system. For heating services in the greater Anchorage, AK, area, call on Muotka Mechanical. They offer complete HVAC system installation, repair, and service to keep your home comfortable during winter. This company is a one-stop-shop for heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and gas fireplaces. Call (907) 344-8825 for a free estimate, or visit the website for a full list of services.