Sometimes, all it takes is the arrival of the first large heating bill of the season. Then, Massachusetts homeowners begin looking for ways to cut costs. Some of them turn to heat pumps — an energy-efficient alternative to running a furnace.
Air-source heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the air into a fluid, which is passed through a compressor. Here, the temperature is raised and channeled to the home.
There are several benefits to choosing an air-source heat pump. They:
- Are easy to install
- Can also function as an air-conditioning unit in the summer
- Dehumidify the air better than conventional central air conditioners
- Are generally low in required maintenance. (In fact, in parts of the United Kingdom, they are sometimes called "fit and forget" technology.)
- Usually last between 15 and 20 years
- Run on electricity. But perhaps their best feature is that they can provide up to four times the amount of energy as they consume. This is possible because the pumps move heat; they don't convert it from a fuel.
As appealing as this type of system's benefits may sound, air-source heat pumps are not well suited to every home. If you're considering one, be sure that:
- You have plenty of space outside for the condenser, which is usually affixed to a wall or placed on the ground. It will need a large, unobstructed area so that air can move freely around it. A sunny location is best.
- Your home is fairly well insulated to minimize heat loss
- You would be replacing a coal or electric heating system, so that the energy savings you gain can help you recoup the cost of purchasing an air-source heat pump over time
Air source heat pumps have been called the best and most promising systems, but don't leave such an important decision to just anyone. Call the experts at
Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We'll inspect your home and help you decide if this exciting technology is the right fit for your home.
goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
Heat pump image via Shutterstock