Heat pumps are a unique option when it comes to home heating systems. They operate in a way completely different from the more common furnaces and boilers that most homes use. Different doesn’t necessarily mean better, of course. Still, there are many reasons to consider installing a heat pump in your home. Let’s examine the reasons why a heat pump is worth your time.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a device that moves heat from one area to another instead of creating it. Furnaces and boilers create heat by burning fuel, which can be quite expensive depending on the circumstances. A heat pump does not consume any fuel except electricity. Where, then, does it get its heat from?
A heat pump has two main parts, the interior and exterior units. When the heat is turned on, the exterior unit siphons thermal energy from the surrounding air. This thermal energy is then sent along a refrigerant line inside to the interior unit, where it is used to warm and circulate the air. By taking heat from the surrounding environment, the heat pump avoids the need to burn fuel.
Why should I Choose a Heat Pump
Because of the unique way that heat pumps operate, they garner a few advantages that other systems do not. First, heat pumps are extremely energy efficient. Due to the lack of need for combustible fuel, a heat pump system can save you a great deal of money on heating bills.
The second advantage has less to do with direct heating and more to do with the versatility of heat pumps. A heat pump is not only capable of heating, but cooling as well. The basic construction is very similar to an air conditioner, which takes heat from inside and pumps it outside. A heat pump can do this as well, but with the ability to switch functions to pump heat inside as well. This saves a great deal of cost and space, since you don’t need to install a separate unit just for air conditioning.
If you’re considering installing a new heat pump, call Clean Air Act today. We provide heating services throughout the Portland area.
Tags: Heat Pumps, Portland
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