Is a Heat Pump the Right Investment for You?
Choosing a new heating and cooling system for your home is no easy task. After all, it’s a big investment, and you’ll have to live with your decision for years to come. Luckily, many families are turning to heat pumps, which make HVAC a little easier for most households. But what is a heat pump and how does it work? And most importantly, is a heat pump the right investment for you?
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a reliable system that provides both heating and cooling to your home. So, instead of having to purchase two separate systems, like an air conditioner and a furnace, you can get that all in one thanks to a more affordable and more efficient product. Here are some things to consider before settling on a heat pump investment.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Heat pumps provide heat year-round by transferring heat instead of generating it. It has an indoor and outdoor unit, which send heat to each other depending on the weather outside.
When it’s cold outside, heat pumps find heat in the outside air and transfer it inside. Then, in the summer they do the opposite, finding heat inside the home and transferring it outside to keep your house nice and cool.
Types of Heat Pumps
There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. As mentioned earlier, an air-source heat pump finds heat in the air to transfer it into your home. This might seem difficult when the outside temperature reaches the single digits, but it’s not impossible.
A ground-source heat pump (also known as a geothermal heat pump) is similar, but often considered more efficient. The outdoor unit of this heat pump is submerged completely underground. Underground temperatures are much more consistent than air temperatures, making it easier for the unit to find heat.
However, this extra efficiency comes at a cost. While geothermal heat pumps make sense for some homes, their initial costs are often much more. So, it’s up to you to decide if it fits into your budget and if it’s worth it for your family.
How Can a Heat Pump Benefit You?
Most families settle on a heat pump investment for heating and cooling because of the many benefits. When it comes to heating and cooling systems, you need to be more cognizant of cost, efficiency, and safety. Luckily, heat pumps check all those boxes.
They’re More Efficient
Overall, heat pumps are the most efficient HVAC systems. They’re a heating and cooling system all in one, which means cost, maintenance, and functions are more reasonable. No matter the time of year, you’ll only have one system to worry about.
They’re Better for the Environment
The environment is a crucial part of the world we live in. So, when we use products that hurt the environment, we’re only hurting ourselves too. Luckily, heat pumps have proven to be a more environmentally friendly option for heating and cooling.
Since heat pumps don’t need to create new energy, they also don’t waste old energy. Gas furnaces release a lot of harmful substances into the air, which will gradually hurt the world we live in. But heat pumps don’t release as much damage onto the outside world. Thus, the more households that choose heat pumps, the more positive effects on nature we’ll see.
They’ll Last Longer
Most heat pumps have a long, reasonable lifespan of about 17-20 years. So, when buying a new heat pump, you’ll feel more at ease knowing that you won’t need a replacement anytime soon. That’s not always the case for a furnace.
They Save You Money
Above all else, heat pumps will save you money. Since they’re more efficient, their usage costs will be much less. In fact, switching to an electric heat pump from a furnace will save you about 50% of the cost. Of course, the exact bills will vary, but you can expect to pay much less than you would with any less efficient system.
Heat pumps also cost less upfront. Normally, you would have to buy a heating and an air conditioning unit separately. But with a heat pump, it’s one price for both of them together. So, based on the initial prices and the recurring costs, heat pumps are the best options for long-term savings. Even if it seems more expensive at first, you’ll save in the long run.
Are There Any Downsides to Heat Pumps?
The downsides to a heat pump investment are few, and they vary depending on the type and brand you choose. When looking at price, heat pumps can sometimes be more difficult to install, requiring higher installation fees. But in most cases, there’s no need to fear.
Once those upfront costs are out of the way, you won’t have to stress about your heat pump not lasting long enough. Also, if money is a concern, you can opt to finance your heat pump.
Heat pumps also require more maintenance. It’s recommended that you have an HVAC professional look at it at least once a year to ensure that it functions properly year-round. It might sound like a hassle for some, but it’s a great way to help your unit live up to its full potential.
Is a Heat Pump the Right Investment for Your Home?
By taking all this information into consideration, is a heat pump the right investment for you? Many families have said yes due to its efficiency, long lifespan, and positive effects on the environment.
A heat pump heated home is likely to save you 50-60%. This percentage was calculated by looking at the energy usage of an electric heat pump versus other heating systems that use oil, gas, or wood. So, on top of the other pros of a heat pump, it’s also a good investment for most homes.
Depending on where you live, the savings could be even greater. When focusing on Canadian cities, the savings are between 57% and 81% for families switching from a furnace to a heat pump. Heat pumps certainly are the easy, convenient, and cost-efficient options. So, if you’re ready to update your system, consider investing in a heat pump.
Are you ready to update your HVAC system? Odds are, a heat pump investment is the right choice for you. Foster Air Heating & Cooling is here to help with all your heat pump needs, from new systems to regular maintenance. Contact us today to find out how we can make your heating and cooling system as efficient as possible.
