Advantages of an Air Source Heat Pump

The Dual Purpose of Air Source Heat Pumps

Whether you live in a cold or hot region, HVAC systems are a requirement for your home. But having air conditioners and heaters or furnaces is a double investment. In addition to the purchase, you will have to spend on maintaining both even when just one or the other is in use. Utility bills go up too. The best way to combat this problem is to buy a heat pump that will serve both your purposes – heating and cooling in one machine.

Understanding Heat Pumps

What is a heat pump? An Air Source Heat Pump is a two-in-one device that works as a heater in winters and as an air conditioner in summers. It can cool the interiors of your house as well as heat it depending on the season and settings. It is known as an Air Source heat pump because it sources its warmth from the air around. It works just like an air conditioner. The refrigerant gets circulated through heat exchange and a compressor. And it is connected to a thermostat so you can adjust the temperature inside your home according to your comfort level. An air source heat pump runs on electricity and consumes less energy compared to propane or oil-fueled furnaces.

Seasonal Operations of Air Source Heat Pumps

How does it work in summers? An air source heat pump is akin to your refrigerator that draws out the entire warm air inside and throws it out through the coils, keeping the interior of the fridge cool. The air source heat pump pulls the warmth out of your house, leaving it cooler.

How does it work in winters? In winters, it does the exact opposite. The heat pump pulls heat from exterior air and uses it to warm your house. Heat can be extracted from the environment, even at temperatures as low at 0 degrees Celsius or less. The only disadvantage is that as the exterior temperature falls, the efficiency of your heat pump also goes down.

Advantages of an Air Source Heat Pump

a. Highly Efficient and Cost-Effective: An Air source heat pump has a 1.8 or higher coefficient of performance (COP); which means that it is 180% more efficient than standard electric resistance heaters. Some can even have a COP of 2.4, rendering them almost 240% more efficient. This makes them cost-effective against furnaces that use propane or oil.

b. Environment-Friendly: A heat pump is environment-friendly owing to its high SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios). As it does not burn any fossil fuel when in use, it helps in reducing your carbon footprint.

c. Two Systems in One: You get both heating and cooling systems in one device and can use either depending on the season. Thus, you save money and energy.

d. Long Lasting: Heat pumps are easy to install and easily function well for 15 to 20 years if maintained well.

e. Minimal Maintenance: Air source heat pumps only require one yearly maintenance, so you don’t have to spend too much on it.