Heat Pumps: The Secret Ingredient to Efficient Heating

An energy-efficient heater can keep electric bills down during the holiday season. Without needing to pump additional and unnecessary air, a working heat pump is the secret to saving money and staying warm this year. 

Is a Heat Pump the Same as a Heater?

Homes can use a variety of different heating elements to warm a household. The most common types of heaters are furnaces and heat pumps.

A furnace is used to convert fuel into heat. It is then used in the central heating system to deliver hot air throughout the home. But furnaces tend to cost more and be less efficient than heat pumps.

A heat pump is also part of the cooling and heating system, but it uses outdoor air to raise indoor temperatures. By transferring warm air from one location to another, the heat pump does not technically generate its own heat. Many homeowners prefer a heat pump because it is quieter, easy to install, and reduces electric bills.

There are a few different kinds of heat pumps to choose from. An air source heat pump is inexpensive and works best in moderate climates. These common heat pumps can be installed quickly in almost any home. 

A geothermal heat pump uses energy from underground to transfer heat. Since the ground is a consistent temperature, geothermal heating provides maximum efficiency for households in any climate. Although the installation can be more expensive, it is easier than relying on a water source.

Water source heat pumps are energy-efficient but require a specific location. Homes near a lake or river are ideal, but wells can be used too. Although water-source heat pumps are less common, they provide steady heat in the winter.

What Is Ductless Heating?

Ductless heating consists of an indoor evaporator and an outdoor compressor. A mini-split is a popular form of this type of heater because it can be easily mounted on the wall. Although the unit is technically indoors, this is not the same as a space heater or window A/C. 

A mini-split heat pump has a quiet heater that can provide different rooms with different temperatures. Because many households do not use every room in the house simultaneously, this saves money by only heating the home where necessary. 

Ductless heating is also recommended for better air quality. Since ductwork collects dust over time, this eventually ends up circulating throughout the home. Even air filters cannot block all particles from the HVAC system.

Saving Energy = Saving Money

Heaters that move warm air throughout the house save money because they are not using energy to generate new heat. By consolidating heat from outside the home, heat pumps can gather enough warmth to keep the indoors at a comfortable temperature. This is true even in extremely cold climates.

In addition to saving money on a monthly basis, heating pumps are less expensive to purchase than furnaces. The installation price is a fraction of what other central heating systems cost, and heat pumps work immediately. Over two years, homeowners can save thousands of dollars with the right heat source.

About B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C

B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C provides heating maintenance and installation services for multiple heat pump models. To learn more about their latest technology and upfront pricing, call B&D Plumbing, Heating & A/C located in St. Michael, MN. 

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