Heat pumps have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems.
If you live in an area with mild year-round temperatures, you may want to choose a heat pump. It will create a comfortable living space for you and your family while offering other benefits as well.
With that said, you can’t believe everything you read or hear about heat pumps.
#1) Heat Pumps Only Provide Cooling
Heat pumps provide both cooling and heating. They can cool your home during the summer, and they can warm it during the winter.
Heat pumps work using a relatively simple method of operation. During the summer, they’ll transfer heat from inside your home to the outside. During the winter, they’ll transfer heat from the outside of your home to the inside.
#2) Heat Pumps Don’t Use Refrigerant
Contrary to common belief, heat pumps do, in fact, use refrigerant.
They actually rely on refrigerant more than traditional HVAC systems. In a traditional HVAC system, refrigerant is used strictly for cooling. Heat pumps, conversely, use refrigerant for both cooling and heating.
#3) Heat Pumps Have Poor Efficiency
Another common myth about heat pumps is they aren’t efficient. The truth is that heat pumps are typically more efficient than traditional HVAC systems.
They can generally cool and warm indoor spaces using less energy. Most heat pumps are actually more than 100% efficient.
In other words, they are capable of outputting more thermal energy than the amount of energy they consume.
#4) Heat Pumps are All Connected to the Air
Not all heat pumps are connected to the air. Some of them are connected to the ground.
The former type are known as air-source heat pumps. The latter type are known as ground-source heat pumps.
They both work in the same way: by transferring heat from your home to the outside (or vice versa when heating). The only difference is that ground-based heat pumps are connected to the ground.
#5) Heat Pumps Don’t Require Maintenance
Whether you have an air-source or ground-source heat pump, you’ll still need to maintain it.
Heat pumps themselves are HVAC systems, and like all HVAC systems, they require regular maintenance. Heat pumps have an air filter, for example, which you’ll need to replace every few months. You should also consider getting your heat pump inspected by an HVAC technician.
A professional inspection will ensure that all of your heat pump’s equipment is working as intended.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
