Call Us TodayKey Advantages of Using a Heat Pump in a Colder Climate
While gas furnaces continue to be the most common choice for heating a home in colder climates, heat pumps are gaining popularity as well. Not too long ago, heat pumps were mainly an effective heating solution only in regions with relatively mild winters. Today, however, heat pump technology has progressed to the point where these units can operate effectively even in extremely cold weather. Additionally, heat pumps offer several notable advantages compared to other heating options. In this article, we will explore these advantages and cover everything else you should know if you’re considering installing a heat pump.
How a Heat Pump Works in Winter
The first thing to understand about heat pumps is that they’re quite similar to air conditioners. Both use a refrigerant and feature an evaporator and condenser coil to capture or remove heat from one location. The heat is then transferred and released elsewhere. When a heat pump cools in the summer, it operates just like an AC system, extracting heat from the house and releasing it outside through the condenser coil.
What makes a heat pump system unique is its reversing valve, which allows the heat transfer process to work in reverse. This means the refrigerant captures heat from the outdoor air and uses it to raise the indoor air temperature. The process is slightly more complex, as the refrigerant must be compressed before being pumped to the coil inside. When compressed, it boils instantly, and its temperature rises to at least 120 degrees. This high temperature allows the system to heat effectively, as the refrigerant is significantly hotter than the indoor air temperature, causing heat to flow from the refrigerant into the air automatically.
Superior Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are unique because they are the only HVAC systems that can both heat and cool. One standout feature is their energy efficiency when heating. Unlike other heating systems that rely solely on gas or electricity to generate heat, heat pumps can operate more efficiently, achieving levels beyond 100% in specific conditions. For instance, a gas furnace reaches a maximum efficiency of about 98% due to some heat being lost through the exhaust flue.
On the other hand, heat pumps typically achieve efficiency ratings of at least 300%. This is because the electricity they consume is not actually used to generate heat. Instead, it powers the compressor and fans that facilitate the heat transfer process we just discussed. In extremely cold weather, a heat pump’s efficiency can drop to around 200% due to the decreased heat energy available in the outdoor air for it to capture.
Nonetheless, even in this type of scenario, a heat pump system will still use at least half as much energy per minute or hour as any other type of heating system. However, that doesn’t mean your heating bills will necessarily be half of what they would be with a furnace or another heating system. A heat pump system usually uses about one-third of the energy a furnace would. This is because furnaces heat more quickly than heat pumps, meaning a heat pump system will operate more each day.
Cold-climate heat pump systems include electric heat strips in the indoor air handler that can provide backup heating as needed. These strips ensure that the system can heat your home much faster whenever you’re trying to raise the temperature by more than a few degrees. They also guarantee you’ll still have heating if your heat pump ever stops working or on rare occasions when it’s so cold outside that the heat pump can’t function. The only drawback to these heat strips is that they consume significantly more electricity than the heat pump, so relying on them too much isn’t advisable.
Instead of installing a system with electric heat strips, you can opt for a dual-fuel heating system. This type of system truly offers the best of both worlds, featuring a heat pump and a gas furnace. The heat pump handles the majority of your home’s heating, while the gas furnace acts as a more efficient backup, using less energy than heat strips.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Another great advantage of having a heat pump instead of a gas furnace is that it helps reduce your carbon footprint. One reason for the significant shift towards heat pumps in recent years is that gas furnaces continuously emit carbon dioxide while operating. The fact that heat pumps are all-electric means they do not produce carbon emissions into the environment, at least not by themselves. And if your home is powered by solar panels and combined with a heat pump, you can save a lot of money.
A heat pump system will still contribute to some carbon emissions, depending on whether the electricity used to run it is produced from burning fossil fuels. Nonetheless, heat pumps often have a lower carbon footprint and are generally more environmentally friendly since they use the least amount of energy compared to any other type of heating system.
Safer Heating
Another factor to consider is that heat pump systems are significantly safer than other options. Gas furnaces include several safety features designed to prevent fires. Nevertheless, fires can and do happen in homes with gas furnaces installed, especially when they are not properly maintained. Other electric heating solutions, such as baseboard heaters, can also pose a significant fire risk since they can easily ignite nearby objects.
While there’s always a chance that the electromechanical components in a heat pump system might cause a fire, this chance is extremely small compared to other heating methods. With a heat pump system, you don’t need to worry about potential carbon monoxide exposure or poisoning like you would with a gas furnace. Gas furnaces don’t always produce carbon monoxide, and they are designed to vent combustion fumes directly outside. However, various issues can still lead to carbon monoxide being generated and potentially leaking into your home.
The most serious issue arises if there’s a crack in the furnace’s heat exchanger, as this can allow carbon monoxide to seep into the ductwork and circulate throughout the house.
Hoff Heating & AC Local Heat Pump Experts
While upfront expenses are higher than traditional HVAC systems, heat pumps offer energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and long-term savings, making them a worthwhile investment. If you’re considering a heat pump for your home, Hoff Heating & AC is equipped to assist you. We’ve been serving O’Fallon and the St. Louis area for over 40 years, specializing in a comprehensive range of heating and cooling services. We take pride in being a Lennox Premier Dealer and offer excellent options for installing a heat pump, furnace, or air conditioning unit.
Additionally, we service and repair all makes and models of HVAC equipment to ensure your indoor comfort needs are met. Contact Hoff Heating & AC today to explore your options and get help selecting the right heat pump for your home.
