Heat Pump Systems: A More Efficient Approach to Heating
Stay Warm without Breaking the Bank with a Heat Pump System
During the winter months in Issaquah, WA, and the surrounding areas, furnaces work overtime to keep families comfortable and safe. Unfortunately, for many families, that also means skyrocketing energy bills to keep them running. Just heating your home throughout the winter could cost you over $1,000 without the right infrastructure in place. That’s why we’re increasingly recommending heat pump systems as backups for our clients, as they provide the most cost-efficient way to stay warm and cozy year-round. Read on to learn more.
SEE MORE: Why You Should Choose Bob’s Heating as Your Local HVAC Contractor
How Do Heat Pump Systems Work?
Heat pumps are particularly efficient because they transfer heat rather than generating it. They do this through a refrigeration cycle which moves heat from one location (usually outdoor air) to another (your home). Don’t worry; you don’t need to be an expert on thermodynamics to get how it works. Below is a high-level overview of the process.
- Absorbing Heat: The heat pump uses a refrigerant to pull heat from the external source. Because of the absorbed heat, the refrigerant becomes a gas.
- Compression: The heat pump’s compressor compresses that gas to increase its temperature further.
- Heat Release: That hot gas then goes through a condenser coil that releases the heat from the refrigerant into your home.
- Pressure Reduction: As the refrigerant releases heat, it returns to its original liquid form. It then passes an expansion valve to further reduce its pressure and temperature to be ready to repeat the cycle.
Why Heat Pumps Are a More Efficient Option
Heat pumps are inherently more efficient than traditional furnaces because they transfer and repurpose heat rather than generate it. They generate 300% more heat than the energy they consume in ideal conditions. What does that mean for you specifically? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by 50% compared to furnaces.
Though many clients worry the cold Washington air might make these systems impractical, that’s not the case! Studies have shown that even below zero degrees Fahrenheit, heat pumps are twice as efficient as gas or standard electric heating. However, we also have many clients who still rely on furnaces but benefit from having these heat pumps as a backup option.
What Does a Heat Pump Installation Entail?
Since heat pump systems are complex and include dangerous substances like refrigerants, they should always be installed by licensed HVAC professionals. In most cases, installation takes between 5 and 10 hours, though it could take longer depending on your home. We’ll start any installation with a thorough assessment of your property and guide you on the ideal solution. When we’re done installing all the necessary wiring and components, we’ll do a system walkthrough with you to show you how it works.
