Heat pumps are dual-function HVAC devices that can both heat and cool your home, making them one of the most versatile options on the market. Many people in Minnesota have separate heating and cooling systems, which can mean double the maintenance, cost, and problems.
These devices are gaining popularity for many reasons, but they may not be right for everyone. Learn more about how they work, their pros and cons, and if you should get one below.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Heat pumps can seem too good to be true. We’ll explain how they work step by step below to make it easier to understand how a heat pump can improve your HVAC setup.
Heat pumps work like air conditioners and refrigerators. They use condenser coils and refrigerant to turn warm air into cool air. But they can also perform reverse refrigeration, using the same components and process to create hot air.
- Heat is pulled from outdoor air or the ground and blown over the heat exchange surface. This may sound impossible, but even when it’s cold out, there is still heat in the air that can be extracted.
- The refrigerant liquid is heated until it evaporates into a gas.
- This gas is moved through a compressor to increase its pressure, which in turn raises the temperature even more.
- The heated gas moves over another heat exchange surface, where it can be blown through ducts, moved into a central heating system, or transferred to a hot water system.
For cooling your home in the summer, the heat pump performs a similar process, but moves hot air from inside your home to the outside. This process is simply done in reverse, extracting heat energy from your indoor air to cool your space.
Heat Pump Pros and Cons
These devices sound like a dream. You can heat and cool with one simple system. A heat pump can be an excellent HVAC option, but it depends on a few factors.
Below are the pros and cons of heat pumps to consider.
Pros
Versatility: Of course, a heat pump’s ability to perform heating and cooling makes it a supremely versatile option. As mentioned, you can reduce HVAC maintenance, repairs, and costs by switching from two systems to one.
Energy Efficiency: Many people prefer heat pumps due to their exceptional energy efficiency. Rather than burning natural gas or oil like a standard furnace, heat pumps draw heat from outdoor air, using only electricity and refrigerant. This means they use less energy and resources to deliver the same kind of indoor comfort.
Savings: Oil and gas are expensive. Swapping out a gas furnace for a heat pump can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in utility bills over the course of a year. And over a lifetime, the savings are immense.
Eco-Friendly: If you want to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, switching to a heat pump can help. Along with lowering your utility bills, its energy efficiency also means it contributes fewer emissions that harm the planet.
Tax Credits and Rebates: Besides the default savings, you may be able to put even more money in your pocket with federal tax credits and rebates. The federal government offers incentives for upgrading your home with energy-efficient appliances, namely heat pumps. See if you qualify, and you may be able to get a heat pump installed for free!
Dehumidification: Since heat pumps extract heat from the air, they can also help reduce humidity in your home. This is a wonderful way to make your home more comfortable during spring and summer without using a separate dehumidifier. It’s a built-in function!
Cons
Noise: Heat pumps can be noisier than other heating systems. They’re about as loud as a typical air conditioning system. However, newer units are designed to be quieter.
Cold Weather Capabilities: Heat pumps are fantastic for hot climates, but they can struggle more in cold climates because of the lack of heat in the air. A standard heat pump operates best at temperatures of 40°F or higher. However, cold-climate heat pumps can keep your home warm in temperatures as low as 0ºF, or even colder. For Minnesota homeowners, we recommend these advanced cold-climate devices.
Installation Cost: In some cases, heat pump installation is more expensive than installing traditional heating or air conditioning systems. But remember, you’re getting a dual-function system. Plus, government incentives may cover the cost of installation.
Is a Heat Pump Right For You?
Should you get a heat pump? Most homeowners can benefit from switching to a heat pump, as it saves money without compromising comfort.
With the freezing Minnesota winters, we know you may be concerned about the cold-weather capabilities. At Schwantes, our technicians are heat pump experts who can help you choose the best device and system for your home. Contact us for help choosing the right HVAC setup or if you’re ready to swap old-school HVAC for a modern heat pump!
