9 Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pumps
Wednesday, January 24th, 2018
HVAC systems can be complicated because there are dozens of different systems with hundreds of models. Each one is suited for a particular building, layout, and output. Purchasing an HVAC system can be one of the biggest investments for your home. More often than not, you can’t afford to install the wrong one. The following are nine common questions and answers about heat pumps that may help you understand these systems better.
1. What is a heat pump?
Heat pumps tend to look exactly like air conditioners. So, if you think you have two air conditioners, one of them is probably a heat pump. If you want to tell the two apart, you can simply look up the model number on the internet. You can also check to see if your thermostat is equipped with an “emergency heat” setting, which is indicative of this equipment. You can ask a professional HVAC technician to explain the system to you as well.
2. How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump works a lot like an air conditioner, with a twist. This equipment can both cool and reverse the flow of refrigerant to provide electrical heating. This type of system works by transferring the air from outside into the system, or from the inside out, depending on your needs. Pumps that transfer air this way tend to be cheaper and more efficient than systems that create heat.
3. What is the defrost cycle?
The defrost cycle activates when ice forms on the outdoor components of your heat pump. This typically will only happen on extremely cold days. When the outdoor components begin to freeze, your equipment switches into air conditioning to thaw the ice. Your heat pump hasn’t suddenly stopped working. It is only doing what it needs in order to protect the internal components.
4. What is the difference between air-to-air and earth-to-air pumps?
These pumps work by transferring heat, rather than creating it. Air-to-air heat pumps cycle the outdoor air inside, and the air inside outside. Earth-to-air pumps use a similar process, but they use piping in the ground to pick up geothermal energy and transfer it into your home for heating. The most common type of heat pump used is the air-to-air system.
5. Which is better, a heat pump or an air conditioner?
The choice between these two systems depends on your needs. If you are in an area that experiences all four seasons, then a heat pump is likely the better choice. If you live in an area that doesn’t have access to gas heating during the winter, but still need heat, this equipment can also be beneficial. In general, it is cheaper to transfer heat than to create it.
6. Do heat pumps work in winter?
Heat pumps can actually be very effective during winter. However, you will want to make sure you connect it to a furnace rather than an air handler. This is because you don’t want to transfer cold, outdoor air into your home.
7. How efficient are heat pumps?
Heat pumps are very efficient if they are properly installed and run correctly. The minimum industry standard is 14 SEER, and many models are 20 SEER+ rated. The efficiency of this equipment is dependent upon the type used and the season during which it is running, among other factors.
8. How big of a heat pump do I need?
Like any HVAC system, the size of a heat pump is determined by your needs and a variety of other factors like the size of your house. Your HVAC technician should perform a test to calculate the total tonnage you will require. The bigger the tonnage, the larger your pump will need to be.
9. What is the cost of a typical heat pump?
The cost varies according to your needs and wants. Some contractors might under-estimate your home’s heating needs to undercut their competition. Make sure you contact several professionals for assistance, and compare their quotes and estimates. Ask each contractor how they arrived at the estimate and the specific costs involved. In the end, don’t pick the cheapest option unless it is the best for you. Heat pumps are a long-term investment, so you don’t want to pay less now only to pay more later for repairs or replacements.
Professional HVAC services in the Texas Panhandle
If you have questions about your heat pump or would like to install one, contact the experts at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas today. We are a full-service company staffed with experienced and certified HVAC technicians. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email.