There are many ways you can heat and cool your home—one of these is the heat pump. Heat pumps are HVAC systems used in European countries for quite some time. They're now steadily growing in popularity in North America as well. Today, there are over 700,000 heat pumps installed in homes across Canada. If this is a heating and cooling system you've been considering yourself, you'll want a complete picture of how it works and what it can offer. Read on for a rundown of installing a heat pump in Hamilton this year.
What Is a Heat Pump? Before we look at the pros and cons of a heat pump, let's first look at what it is and how it works. A heat pump is a heating and cooling system that takes energy from one source and uses that energy to either heat or cool a space, depending on the time of year. There are three main types of heat pumps.
Air source heat pump
Water source heat pump
Geothermal heat pump
Heat pumps work in the same way that refrigerators do. A heat pump uses a compressor to draw heat from low-temperature sources—for example, external air—distributed throughout the home. The same goes for cool air and warm temperature sources.
Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps
If you're considering replacing another cooling mechanism in your home, one big advantage is that the cost of switching from a cooling-only system to a heat pump is often quite low. Speaking of low costs, one of the biggest draws of a heat pump is that it can save you money on your energy bills as a homeowner. It's an extremely efficient energy source.
Another possible pro is that your heat pump is placed outside your home, giving you more free space to use inside. This leads us to one of the slight drawbacks of a heat pump.
It does make noise, usually a low-level humming—like a refrigerator. However, it is possible to choose an ultra-quiet model, and since it's outside, this may not be much of an issue.
Another thing to consider about a heat pump is that if you're using it for heating and cooling, it does have a higher installation cost than, for example, a furnace. However, because of its energy efficiency, this is money you'll probably save in the long run.
Heat pumps work best in milder climates, so when it's cold outside, they're not as effective as other heat sources. However, a heat pump can be used in tandem with a furnace.
Thinking of Installing a Heat Pump in Hamilton?
When deciding whether to install a heat pump in Hamilton, there's much to consider. It's an amazing heating and cooling source with many benefits, but it may not be right for all homes.
If you need guidance on whether this could be the right choice for you, don't hesitate to contact Aire One Heating & Cooling today. We'd be happy to talk you through your options.