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Installing an HVAC system on a newly constructed home or commercial building is a big task that requires plenty of research before selecting the right one for your home or business. Likewise, replacing an existing HVAC system with a newer one can be challenging, especially when adhering to a budget or ensuring you choose the best one for your needs. There’s much to consider, like the size of your home or business, energy efficiency, operating costs, and more.
A great option for replacing your existing residential or commercial HVAC system or installing a system in a newly constructed commercial space or house is to install a heat pump. Heat pumps are an excellent choice for companies who want to reduce their carbon footprint or homeowners who like to utilize natural resources while decreasing their energy bills.
Though heat pumps can be a great option, there are some things you should know before you install them. Keep reading to learn 5 things about heat pumps to be prepared to make the best decision for your business’s or home’s heating and cooling needs.
What is a Heat Pump?
You’re probably familiar with central heating and cooling systems, furnaces, or electric air conditioners, but are you familiar with heat pumps? Unlike gas or oil systems, which rely mostly on fossil fuels to heat or cool a home or business, heat pumps rely on underground air to heat or cool a home or business, using electricity to operate.
Rather than creating cool or warm air with the help of fossil fuels, heat pumps use a mechanical-compression cycle refrigeration system to transfer cold and hot air. How? When heat pumps are installed, the pumps will pull warm underground air inside the home during the winter while they pull heat out of the air inside your home during summer, moving that heat underground.
Cates can install several heat pump systems: air-to-air, geothermal, and water-source heat pumps. Air-to-air heat pumps work on transferring inside and outside air to cool or heat a home or building, relying on less electricity than other HVAC systems. Geothermal heat pumps rely on underground air to heat or cool a building, while water-source heat pumps transfer the heat with a water source.
5 Things to Know About Heat Pumps
1. They Work Year-round to Heat and Cool
Despite their name, heat pumps work year-round to heat and cool a home or building, not just heating one. Unlike other HVAC systems, heat pumps will transfer heat throughout your home to keep it cozy and warm. Likewise, they transfer cool air throughout your home to keep it cool.
2. They Can Improve Humidity Levels
Did you know that heat pumps can control humidity levels? They remove humidity in the air as the evaporator coils evaporate heat and moisture, removing them from the indoors. This dehumidification process keeps the home less humid during summer, decreasing the chance for mold growth.
3. They Can’t be Installed Everywhere
Like most other home components you consider installing, you’ll need to determine if heat pumps are the best option for your home, business, or budget. They cost more initially to install than other heating and cooling systems, but they have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than others. However, heat pumps can’t be installed everywhere and need specific landscape, size, and subsoil requirements on your property. Cates Heating and Cooling can determine if a heat pump can be installed on your property.
4. Cost-effective
Though installation is pricey, heat pumps are cost-effective after installation. According to The U.S. Department of Energy, installing heat pumps can reduce your heating bills by 75%. They also don’t require an additional gas bill or oil tank, decreasing the use of fossil fuels. Heat pumps are also energy efficient, reducing the likelihood of working in overdrive to heat and cool a home since they transfer heat instead of generating it like other systems.
5. They Require Less Maintenance
Heat pumps have fewer components than other systems, requiring less maintenance. They also don’t have oil or gas tanks/lines, eliminating the need to refill tanks or get fuel supply safety checks done. You will need to change the air filter and have the system maintained periodically, but not as often as other systems.
Heat pumps are energy efficient, reduce your carbon footprint, and use underground air to heat and cool a building or house. However, they aren’t available for all homes and businesses because they can only be installed depending on certain landscape and subsoil requirements – Cates can help determine if a heat pump can be installed on your property.
Contact Cates to See if a Heat Pump is Right for Your Home or Business
At Cates Heating and Cooling, we’ve been installing and repairing residential and commercial HVAC systems, including heat pumps, for over 50 years, making us one of the most dependable and trustworthy home HVAC companies in Kansas City! Our team can help determine if a heat pump is best for your home or business with a free quote for our heat pump installation service.
We’re family-owned and operated with expertly trained technicians who have provided exceptional service to all our customers for over 50 years. We service Kansas City and surrounding cities, including the following:
& more!
Contact Cates with any questions or concerns about your heating and cooling and how we can help!
