A heat pump works as both a heater and an air conditioner when needed.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, versatile, excellent choice for heating and cooling your home, look no further than a heat pump! A heat pump is one of the most economical options for mitigating your home’s climate. But how does it work? How much does it cost? Stay tuned.
The most important distinction between a heat pump and other heating/cooling systems is that a heat pump does not generate its own temperature or air pressure, but rather moves heat from one location (outside) to another (inside). During seasons that require heat, a heat pump extracts warmth from the atmosphere and funnels it indoors. In the summer, it does the opposite: removing heat from the home and releasing it outside.
A heat pump capitalizes on a system of evaporation and condensation, utilizing fans, a compressor, coils, and an expansion valve. The medium circulating through these parts is called a refrigerant. Its job is to encourage the natural tendency of heat to migrate to areas with lower temperatures and less pressure.
In short, yes! Believe it or not, even when the temperature outside is frigid (think, winter snowstorm), there is still heat in the air. Now, a heat pump might not be sufficient to warm your whole house on days like this, but it will supplement an internal heating system (i.e., a gas furnace) and save your utility bill wads of cash during winter months.
A heat pump can produce up to 3 times as much energy as it takes to run. Additionally, if you choose to implement a dual-fuel method (both gas furnace and heat pump), each system will only run when necessary, taking over when the other is insufficient. So, you don’t have to worry about double-dipping in your bank account if you have both systems to regulate your home’s climate.
Additionally, a heat pump works year-round; it doesn’t get much more efficient than that! Some sources estimate a 50% decrease in home heating costs.
As with most home improvement installations, the answer is: it depends. You can expect to spend anywhere from $4,000 to $9,000, contingent upon the chosen brand, installation company, and hours of operation. The national average, however, is $5,096.
Unlike traditional air conditioning units and heating systems in most homes, a heat pump is a 2-for-1 deal. It functions in both warm and cold seasons, regulating temperature and climate inside your home. It becomes less efficient in drastic temperatures, as a backup source of air may be needed, but overall, saves money on utility bills and ends up paying for itself in a short amount of time.
If you have questions about installing a heat pump or would like an estimate from your local professional HVAC team, contact WM Buffington in Highspire, Pennsylvania for all your HVAC needs. We are dedicated to providing high-quality services for both residential and commercial spaces in all of Central Pennsylvania. Reach out today!
