Heat Pump System Essentials
It is officially fall season, and with the steady temperature drop, homeowners must have heaters on their minds. While traditional furnaces still rule over most homes in the country, rising gas and electricity costs are making more than a few homeowners consider switching to other forms of heating, none more intriguing than the double-duty, energy-efficient heat pump.
Heat Pumps Explained
A heat pump is an alternative to the more popular conventional gas or electric furnace that warms most homes in the winter. Working on the principle of heat transfer, heat pumps use heat readily available in the air, ground, or water and move it from hot to cold. The device is composed of a compressor, refrigerant, and a fan, all of which work together to provide heating and cooling depending on seasonal needs.
Heat Pump Benefits and Advantages
There are many benefits of a heat pump that continue to win over homeowners looking to make a switch from traditional furnaces to something more effective and energy efficient at the same time. The heat pump fits this bill, as its main draw is that it consumes less energy than conventional heaters allowing homeowners to save as much as 50% on their energy bill - a savings of $300 to $950 annually.
Heat pump installation is also relatively easier than traditional HVAC systems, which require two separate systems - one for heating and another for cooling - to be put in place. In contrast, heat pumps can do the work of both. Admittedly, heat pumps aren’t cheap. They are, in fact, about a few thousand dollars more expensive than conventional HVACs, but there are also rebates offered on heat pumps that could offset the cost of purchase and installation.
Signs of a Heat Pump In Need of Repair
Heat pump repair is most likely something that homeowners will eventually engage in throughout their use of a heat pump. Just like all things, heat pumps will break down, need a fix, or require maintenance, but fortunately, they can last as long as a decade before requiring a replacement. Some signs that a heat pump needs to be repaired include:
- Sky-high electricity bills - Energy inefficiency is a common sign of something wrong with a device. If energy bills are higher than normal, it would be wise to check if the heat pump is working as it should, otherwise, it could consume more electricity than it should.
- Spotty heating or cooling - Areas that lack sufficient heat or cold could indicate that something isn’t working properly with the heat pump.
- Discomfort due to humidity - Optimum humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%. Anything above or below this will make a home feel stuffy and generally uncomfortable. If this is the case at home, and a humidifier or dehumidifier cannot resolve it, it’s time to check the heat pump.
- Loud noises during operation - Any noise beyond the familiar hum of a mechanical device should warrant an inspection.
In general, heat pumps should benefit from repairs, especially if the cost of a fix is not less than 50% of a replacement, in which case it would be more effective to just get a new heat pump than it would be to repair it.
About Central Heating
Central Heating is one of the top trusted HVAC solutions providers in Barrie, ON, serving its surrounding communities and neighborhoods for over 16 years. As a full-service heating contractor, their team prides itself in providing expert workmanship that is fast, friendly, and reliable. They also offer affordable pricing and financing options that fit nearly every budget. Call them today for HVAC services in Barrie, ON.
