All-in-one heating and cooling. For those living in moderate climates, heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. Heat pumps can also supply hot water.
If you use electricity to heat your home, consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump system. Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heating in mild and moderate climates, providing two to three times more heating than the equivalent amount of energy they consume in electricity. A heat pump can save as much as 30% to 40% of the electricity you use for heating.
With many years of experience in the HVAC industry, Precision Air is your best local choice for heat pump heating. We specialize in ground source (also known as geothermal) heat pumps, which are more efficient and economical to operate when compared to conventional air source heat pumps, especially in climates with similar heating and cooling loads.
Interested in finding out more about heat pumps and your home? Schedule a free estimate with Precision Air today in Greater Nashville!
Three types of heat pumps are typically available for residences: (1) air-to-air, (2) water source, and (3) ground source. Heat pumps collect heat from the air, water, or ground outside your home and concentrate it for use inside. Heat pumps operate in reverse to cool your home by collecting the heat inside your house and effectively pumping it outside.
Heat pumps have both heating and cooling ratings - both in terms of capacity and efficiency. Capacity ratings are generally in British thermal unit (Btu) per hour or tons (one ton equals 12,000 Btu/hr). Heating efficiency for air source heat pumps is indicated by the heating season performance factor (HSPF). The HSPF tells you the ratio of the seasonal heating output in Btu's divided by the seasonal power consumption in Watt-hours. A heat pump can supply 2 to 3 times as much heat as it consumes in electricity because it moves energy from outside to inside (or vice versa). Heat pump efficiency varies with outdoor temperature. The performance of an air source heat pump in heating mode decreases with the drop in outside air temperature. The actual seasonal efficiency (as opposed to the rating) is therefore higher in a mild climate than in a severe cold climate.
In the cooling mode, a heat pump operates exactly like a central air conditioner. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is analogous to the HSPF but tells you the seasonal cooling performance.
Proper operation of your heat pump will save energy. Do not set back the heat pump's thermostat if it causes the backup heating to come on; backup heating systems are usually more expensive to operate. Continuous indoor fan operation can degrade heat pump performance unless a high-efficiency, variable-speed fan motor is used. Operate the system on the "auto" fan setting on the thermostat.
Like all heating and cooling systems, proper maintenance is key to efficient operation. The difference between the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump and a severely neglected one ranges from 10%–25%.
Clean or change filters once a month or as needed, and maintain the system according to manufacturer's instructions. Dirty filters, coils, and fans reduce airflow through the system. Reduced airflow decreases system performance and can damage your system's compressor. Clean outdoor coils whenever they appear dirty; occasionally, turn off power to the fan and clean it; remove vegetation and clutter from around the outdoor unit. Clean the supply and return registers within your home, and straighten their fins if bent.
You should also have a professional technician service your heat pump at least every year.
The technician can do the following:
Precision Air specializes in a variety of heating services, including heat pump installation, geothermal heat pumps, energy-efficient furnace repair and replacement and more! Call us or contact us online for a free heating estimate in Franklin, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Antioch, Hendersonville, Brentwood, Smyrna, Lascassas, Madison, Hermitage and nearby.
Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.