When looking for a central heating system, you can choose between heat pumps and furnaces. While some homeowners in Portland opt for furnaces, others prefer to use heat pumps instead. However, not all homes are compatible with a heat pump system.
What to Consider When Deciding Between a Heat Pump or Furnace
Considering several factors, heat pumps cannot offer the expected efficiency at all times. Thus, it is important to choose the right heating system based on your home requirements.What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a device that can be used to heat or cool your home. Unlike furnaces that create heat while burning fuel, heat pumps transfer heat from one space to another. The fact that they do not create heat makes them more energy-efficient than boilers and furnaces. Aside from its heating ability, heat pumps also move the heat outside the house to reduce indoor temperatures. They work better when connected to a heating or cooling system.
Types of Heat Pumps
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
Also known as a ground-source heat pump, a geothermal type heat pump uses the energy from the underground as a source to create heat. Through a ground loop on below-ground heat, a fluid-filled pipe will absorb the heat from the ground and move it towards your home’s heat pump system. Water sources like lakes and ponds can also generate heat through a geothermal heat pump.
- Air-Source Heat Pumps
This type of heat pump absorbs warm air from the outside to transfer inside your home for a warm indoor temperature. To cool your home, it does the opposite. It moves the heat outdoor to allow cool air inside. When working in optimal conditions, an air-source heat pump can drop your energy usage by up to 40%.
Then, you also have to opt between a ducted or ductless heat pump. Your choice should depend on the advice of your HVAC contractor after they did a complete home evaluation.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
If you prefer convenience, heat pumps are a smart choice. You will not have to install a separate heating and cooling system for your home because they act as a multi-purpose HVAC system, good enough to heat or cool your abode. Heat pumps are efficient heating systems without requiring gas to heat an area. Because they do not create fumes or smoke, they can maintain a safe and healthy indoor air quality for the entire family.
Talk to Our Experts at A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical
To know if a heat pump system is right for your home, our professional consultants are here to help. At A-TEMP, we install, repair, maintain, and sell heat pumps that are right for you. Contact us today!