Heating the Home Is Easier With a Heat Pump
Winter is here, and even if California may not get as cold as some parts of the country, it can still get mighty chilly between December and March. That means it’s time to crank up the thermostat and keep the home nice and cozy.
But many homeowners find that their utility bills go up significantly during the colder months, especially if they’re using an old, outdated furnace for their heating needs. And since cooling costs are high enough throughout the rest of the year, this is the last thing anyone wants. Fortunately, there’s a solution: heat pumps.
What Are Heat Pumps and How Do They Work?
A heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system that transfers heat from one space to another, rather than producing it outright, as a furnace does. The system typically involves two units - one indoors and one outdoors. When the system is set to “heat” mode, the outdoor unit absorbs heat from the outdoor air and sends it to the indoor unit, where it is then released into the indoor air. The process is simply reversed if the system is set to “cool” mode.
This is accomplished using a system of metal coils filled with a chemical refrigerant. Each unit has a set of these coils, and the refrigerant is pumped in a closed circuit between the two units. This refrigerant carries the heat energy from outside to the indoor unit’s coils. A fan blows air over the coils, capturing the radiant heat and sending it into the home, either via air ducts or directly from the indoor unit.
Benefits of Ductless Heat Pump Systems
Central heat pumps (which deliver heat via air ducts) are the most common, but ductless heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. These are essentially smaller versions of central heat pumps, but instead of pumping warm air through ductwork, they pump it directly from the indoor unit into a given room. Instead of one large unit, a ductless heating system involves multiple smaller units installed throughout the home.Ductless systems have a few advantages for many homeowners. For one thing, they tend to be much more energy-efficient. This is partly because there’s virtually no heat loss between the unit and the space to be heated and partly because homeowners can choose which rooms to heat at a given time rather than heating the entire house at once. This also means greater zone control, as each room has its own unit and thermostat.
Greater Energy Efficiency = Lower Bills
Whether it’s a central or ductless system, heat pumps are certainly more efficient than traditional furnaces. This is primarily because they capture and transfer existing heat from the environment rather than using electricity or fuel to produce heat. For homeowners, this ultimately translates to lower monthly bills.
It’s estimated that homeowners can reduce their heating costs by up to 50% by switching from an electric resistance furnace to a heat pump system. The amount saved by switching from a gas furnace depends on the local cost of natural gas, but in most cases, a heat pump is still the most energy-efficient way to go.
About Excel Air Corporation
The family-owned Excel Air Corporation has been the go-to HVAC resource in their community since 1999. They offer same-day service, upfront pricing, and a highly rewarding membership plan. Excel is committed to finding energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions, so there’s no one better to call for heat pump installation and service in Escondido, CA!
