Heat pumps are energy-efficient heating and cooling systems for household and industrial applications. They are a great alternative to conventional air conditioners and furnaces in areas with moderate heating and cooling needs. But before ordering heat pumps for sale online, here are several things to understand.
Heat pumps can serve as air conditioners and still work in reverse mode. They use electricity to transfer heat from a relatively cool space to a warm area, making the cool area cooler and increasing temperatures in the warm area.
These appliances can extract heat from the air even when temperatures are as low as 5 Fahrenheit. Besides warming and cooling your house, heat pumps provide air conditioning and control humidity.
During the warming cycle, the appliance transfers heat from the cool outdoors into your warmer indoors. It cools a building by moving heat from the cool interiors to the warm outdoors.
Since heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, they are much more energy-efficient than standard air conditioners and furnaces. They can achieve space conditioning for about 25 percent of the cost of running conventional heating and cooling systems.
Heat pumps are different, so you should know the right type for your needs before placing an order. They fall under three main categories:
Also known as air-to-air heat pumps, ASHP systems are the most popular heat pumps in homes and businesses. They comprise an outdoor heat pump and an indoor air handler.
A refrigerant circulates between the two units, absorbing and releasing heat accordingly. A ducted heat pump system can utilize the existing ductwork in a building.
Modern ASHPs can cut your heating costs by about half compared to baseboard heaters and electric coil furnaces. The units are better dehumidifiers than regular central air conditioning systems, making your home more comfortable during warm and humid seasons.
Traditional ASHPs were suitable for warmer climates, but modern ones work perfectly in colder regions. Depending on your heat pump size, you might need a secondary heating system if temperatures fall below the 10-25 Fahrenheit range.
Ductless, mini-split heat pumps are an ideal heating and cooling choice for buildings without HVAC ducts. You can also mount them in rooms where installing or extending air distribution ductwork is infeasible. Another application area is highly efficient homes that require air conditioning for only a small space.
Mini-splits also have an indoor air-handling unit and an outdoor compressor cum condenser pump. A conduit housing the suction tubing, refrigerant tubing, power cable, and condensate drain connects the indoor and outdoor units.
Ductless mini-split systems have several advantages over other heating and cooling systems:
These heat pumps transfer heat through a looped piping system buried outdoors under the earth’s surface. The pipes carry a water solution that extracts heat energy from the ground or a water source and circulates it in your home.
Geothermal heat pumps are also known as ground-source or water-source heat pumps. They can reduce a home’s energy consumption by 25 to 50 percent.
Geothermal heat pumps are quiet and durable. The indoor air handler can last about 25 years, while the piping system offers about five decades of service. They require minimal maintenance and are excellent in extreme climates.
Air-to-air heat pumps are the most common since they combine functionality, energy-saving benefits, and style in a compact appliance.
Here are some features to look for when comparing heat pumps for sale online.
Whether you are constructing a new building or renovating an existing one, it’s essential to consider your heating and cooling needs. Air-to-air heat pumps are appropriate for new installations and replacing older HVAC systems.
Now that you know how heat pumps work and the types available on the market, you can confidently make an informed buying decision.
Get a custom quote for all your heat pump purchases from the US HVAC Warehouse.