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  • The Advantages and Disadvantages of Heat Pumps

    Written by Eric Noack

    The Advantages and Disadvantages of Heat Pumps

    Heat pumps can serve both heating and cooling needs in a home. Heat pumps operate by transferring warm and cool air. When warming the air, heat is brought in from the outside. When cooling, the heat is transferred out of the home. Heat pumps are considered more efficient when compared with other heating systems.

    Types of Heat Pumps

    An air-source heat pump warms and cools air using electricity rather then heating fuels. It is a very efficient system, delivering nearly double the energy in heat than the energy it consumes, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

    A geothermal heat pump works in the same way as an air-source heat pump except that it takes heat from the ground rather than the surrounding air. On extremely cold nights, a geothermal system can create as much as six times the energy in heat that it takes from the ground, according to Energy Department calculations.

    Heat tend to leave the air more moist than forced air systems. Heat pumps are also cleaner, quieter and odorless. Because there is no combustion, heat pumps have a lower fire risk.

    Disadvantages of Heat Pumps

    Heat pumps cost more to install than a standard central heating and cooling system. While a heat pump will probably save money in the long run, the installation costs may prevent many homeowners from choosing one.

    Heat pumps are not for extremely cold regions. Prolonged exposure to subfreezing temperatures will damage the system and prevent it from operating at full efficiency.

    Many homeowners report that the heat generated by a heat pump created in their home during the winter months feels "cold." However, this problem can usually be fixed by changing the air direction.

    Deciding if a Heat Pump is Right for You

    When deciding on a heating system, homeowners should take all advantages and disadvantages into account. Homeowners must also decide if they are willing to invest the initial startup costs.





    Written on Wednesday, 08 May 2013 20:36 in ABC Blog
    Tags: home improvements home heating heating heat pump Be the first to comment! Read 73 times Read more...
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