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Is a heat pump right for your home?
Every home has it’s own unique needs when it comes to HVAC systems. Balancing home comfort preferences with installation cost and energy efficiency can lead you down many different roads. For a great number of homes, heat pumps provide a very effective solution.
A heat pump is simply an air conditioner that can switch its functionality and become a heating unit. You see when Freon is processed in an air-conditioning unit it creates a tremendous amount of heat. So a heat pump simply reverses part of the process, extracts heat and distributes it throughout the house.
Heat pumps are generally very energy efficient. However, these central heating systems work best in climates where the temperature is somewhat mild. If it gets below 37°F, heat pumps need to run constantly to maintain warmth.
One issue that can develop with heat pumps is that the coils within the outdoor component of the system can collect ice. In order to function properly, the heat pump has to melt this ice every once in a while so that it doesn’t build up and damage the unit. To do this, the heat pump actually switches back to AC mode. But don’t worry, while in air conditioner mode, electric heating strips are activated within the unit to keep the warm air flowing. When the ice is vanquished, everything goes back to normal – and you never even know the difference.
Remember, just like any other HVAC system, the key to years of efficient operation with a heat pump is regular maintenance.
If you’d like to learn more about your home heating options, contact your local ARS heating and air conditioning installation specialist today.
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