Frequent Questions About Heat Pumps
A typical furnace or air conditioning system will only need to be replaced every 20 years or so. In the intervening time, technology changes so much that it can be confusing to quickly learn all the new improvements when it comes time to decide on a new system. Generally, the HVAC system will fail unexpectedly, leaving a family without climate control until a new system is installed. This doesn’t leave much time to learn the nuances of different systems. The best approach is to try to stay abreast of the changes in technology so the decision isn’t so stressful.
Heat pumps are one of the newest options on the market, and they represent a shift in the way people heat and cool their homes. This article is a quick guide to keep homeowners informed about their options so they can make informed decisions when the time comes.
What Is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps do away with furnaces and rely on a new type of heating. To understand this new method of heating, it is helpful to understand how a typical air conditioner works. Hot, compressed refrigerant is quickly cooled in the condenser coil outside, which accounts for the heat being blown out of the top of the outdoor unit.
As the refrigerant cools, it regains its ability to absorb heat, compounding this effect as it evaporates in the indoor coil, rapidly reaching new-freezing temperatures. Heat pumps do exactly this process to cool the home, but they also reverse the process of heating it in the winter.
Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are a new concept to many people, so discussing the benefits of switching to the technology is necessary to convince potential buyers. Some of the benefits of heat pumps are: - Stable Bills Year Round: Natural gas and fuel prices tend to fluctuate depending on demand. Heat pumps rely solely on electricity, so bills stay more stable throughout the year. Additionally, electricity is typically cheaper to heat and cool, so bills will go down overall.
- Improved Longevity: Heat pumps use the same motors and moving parts all year. Instead of causing them to wear out faster, they stay better lubricated and last longer than ACs and furnaces.
- Flexibility: Heat pumps can replace existing central heating and cooling systems with no modifications. They can also provide heating and cooling to spaces without ductwork by utilizing ductless mini-split heat pumps.
Signs That Heat Pump Repair is Needed
Manufacturers and HVAC professionals recommend annual maintenance on heat pumps just like a conventional HVAC system. This helps them maximize their effectiveness and longevity, and it allows experts to find potential problems early. Some of the indications that heat pump repairs are needed are: - New, unusual noises like squealing or hissing
- Improper indoor temperature
- Long or short cycles
- Poor indoor air quality, including improper humidity levels
- No operation
- No power to the unit or thermostat
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling offers upfront pricing on heat pump installation and repairs. Their family plan takes care of heat pump maintenance to ensure homeowners don’t forget to give their heat pumps some TLC twice per year. Call today for heat pump services in Livermore, CA, and the Tri-Valley.
