Are you thinking about using a heat pump to cool your home instead of a traditional air conditioner? If so, you’re probably wondering if this is a good idea. The truth is that heat pumps offer superior cooling during the warmer months. The name may throw you off, but heat pumps can both heat and cool your house. Read on to learn more about how heat pump installation in Frederick, MD can keep you comfortable all year.
What’s a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps use metal coils, refrigerant, and a fan to absorb heat from inside of your home and transfer it outside when in cooling mode. It does the opposite to heat your house. Heat pumps don’t burn fuel or rely on energy-intensive electrical resistance.
Heat pumps aren’t new; they’ve been around for decades. Their performance continues to improve as well. They’re a practical choice for homeowners whether you’re looking for something to replace your current cooling and heating system or to supplement it.
The Cooling Benefits of a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are one of the top appliances when it comes to heating efficiency, but many homeowners don’t realize that they cool just as powerfully as they heat. They can also remove the humidity from your home’s interior spaces when it gets hot and muggy outside.
Even better, a heat pump provides you with several benefits. When you choose to use one for your cooling needs, you’ll have the option of flexible zone heating and cooling. This means that you can set your living room and your bedroom at different temperatures. Since this appliance can do two jobs, you’ll have less maintenance to worry about than with a separate heating and cooling system. In addition to efficiency, there are no gas fumes to worry about like there are with boilers or gas furnaces. However, some homes use a heat pump and furnace together in order to maximize the versatility of the system.
Can a Heat Pump Handle Extreme Heat?
Heat pumps can take on the heat of the hottest summer days. Even during heat waves, they’ll keep your home at consistently cool temperatures while using less energy than a standard air conditioner.
During those warmer months, a heat pump will transfer the heat inside of your home to the outdoors. It does this while providing you with cool, fresh air. Add this to its ability to dehumidify, and you’ll be extremely comfortable this summer.
What Makes a Heat Pump Efficient?
Heat pumps are leaders when it comes to efficiently regulating your house’s indoor temperature during the summer heat. They achieve this by using advanced controls and a variable-speed compressor. Like the variable-speed compressor in a traditional AC, it allows the heat pump to run at the exact speed necessary to provide you with the temperature you desire.
The exact features you’ll have will depend on the heat pump you choose, but many ductless versions come with a special “dry mode.” This helps eliminate that sticky feeling that comes with humidity. It does this without using excessive amounts of energy.
Pay attention to the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating when picking out a heat pump. The higher this number is, the more efficient your heat pump will be. This means that it uses a small amount of electricity to provide you with an effective cooling output.
Keep in mind that you can find traditional air conditioners with higher SEER ratings than a heat pump. They perform similarly to a high-efficiency heat pump, but you won’t get the added benefit of using the same system to heat your house.
The SEER rating is only one factor to consider when searching for the best heat pump for your needs. The following also affect how well it will cool your home:
- Size of the heat pump
- Proper installation
- Your home’s insulation level
- If your house has air sealing
Make the Most of Your Heat Pump
As with any heating and cooling system, upgrading your insulation and taking advantage of professional air sealing can increase your cooling efficiency. It also extends the lifespan of your heat pump.
Air leaks can cause you to lose as much as 45% of your heating and cooling energy. Studies also show that many homes don’t have enough insulation. You don’t want to find yourself in a hot house with the cooling system on full blast while the energy you’re paying for is escaping. Insulation breaks down over time. If yours is over 10 years old, an energy audit will help you determine if it’s still doing a good job.
With the right combination of air sealing, insulation upgrades, and an energy-efficient heat pump, you have the potential to cut your energy usage substantially. The average household spends over half of its energy usage on heating and cooling. Having the ability to reduce this usage will lead to huge savings.
How Long Will a Heat Pump Run While Cooling?
It’s not uncommon for a heat pump to run throughout the day during the hottest months. It’s working hard to maintain your comfort, but it will still have a higher level of efficiency than other cooling systems.
Heat pumps conform to your needs. How long they run depends on specific factors like:
- Outside temperatures
- The temperature you desire
- The heat pump’s size
Types of Heat Pumps for Cooling
Our professional heat pump installation is great for whole-house cooling or as a supplemental heating and cooling system in just one or two rooms. Heat pumps are customizable and flexible, which allows you to find the perfect solution for your household’s cooling needs.
Heat pumps are available in duct or ductless versions. If you choose one needing ducts, we can easily hook it up to your existing ductwork. This keeps installation costs low.
Ductless systems are ideal if you don’t have any ductwork. These heat pumps rely on “heads” that we install on your walls or ceiling. They act as a sort of air vent and connect to the condenser.
Another type of heat pump is the geothermal heat pump. This one absorbs heat or cold from underground where there’s a stable temperature ranging from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. These heat pumps are extremely efficient and a great eco-friendly cooling option.
Professional Heat Pump Installation
Markool Heating & Cooling can help you with all of your heat pump needs in Frederick. In addition to heating and cooling installation, we offer routine maintenance to help you keep your heat pump running efficiently. When you do need repairs, our team will act quickly. We also offer plumbing services, which include sewer repair, drain cleaning, pipe repair, and repiping. We can assist you with your hot water needs, too. Our team even has your back when it comes to indoor air quality with air purifiers, air scrubbers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.
Regardless of what services you need, we offer free estimates, competitive pricing, and a maintenance plan to help you save money. Customer satisfaction is our goal, and we achieve this by providing the best possible service and using quality products. Call Markool Heating & Cooling today for more information.
