Many people are confused about how heat pumps differ from other kinds of heating and air conditioning systems. Knowing the basics of heat pump operation and maintenance is important for people who already have them.
For others, learning the advantages may be an incentive for considering switching to a heat pump for heating and cooling a home or business. Elite Climate Control provides full servicing and installation of heat pumps, along with all other heating and cooling units.
Heat Pump Advantages for the High Desert
Heat pumps differ from furnaces and air conditioners because they do not produce hot or cold air like these other systems. Heat pumps only transfer energy from one place to another using a mechanical pump to compress and move refrigerant.
Can lower their energy consumption
These devices transfer heat from the outside to the inside during winter and transfer hot air from inside to the outside in the summer. Heat pumps work especially well in areas like High Desert where winter temperatures are not below -10F (-23C).
Because heat pumps can produce as much as 13,000 BTUs of heat for each kilowatt of electricity used, High Desert residents can lower their energy consumption for heating by as much as 50 percent over the energy needed for operating a furnace or electric heaters.
Types of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps come in three basic designs, deriving heat from air, water, or geothermal sources. In all types, the pump concentrates the heat and move in into or out of the building.
Air to air heat pumps are the most common type and can be used with duct systems and also in ductless systems known as mini-split systems. Air source heat pumps can also be used to heat radiant floors. Geothermal and water source heat pumps use energy from underground or from a body of water.
Heat Pump Maintenance
Heat pumps are similar to other HVAC systems in needing regular maintenance for optimum performance and energy efficiency. Changing filters monthly, or when dirty, and keeping fans and coils clear of dust and debris are the most important regular maintenance requirements.
Serviced by a professional at least once a year
Vegetation should be clear from the outdoor unit at all times, and registers and vents need periodic cleaning as they do in other types of heating systems. Having your heat pump serviced by a professional at least once a year is the best way of keeping the system working and saving money year-round.
