An increasing number of homeowners are looking into cost-effective ways to regulate the temperature in their homes. This is because of the ever-increasing cost of energy, which is predicted to rise by 50 to 100% on average, and the growing awareness of the impacts of climate change.
One such option is heat pumps, which, despite their misleading name, are an effective method of energy control. But what exactly are heat pumps and how do they function?
In this post, we go through all the details of heat pumps that every homeowner should know to make the right choice for their best interest.
What Exactly Are Heat Pumps?
In simple terms, a heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one place to another. Heat pumps are basically a heating and cooling system that pumps heat out of your home during the sweltering summer months and puts it back in during the colder months.
They are a great solution, no matter where you live. For instance, if you live in Ottawa heat pumps are a great way to ensure that your home is energy efficient.
Different Heat Pump Types
Generally speaking, you can choose between two distinct heat pump designs. Heat pumps that use either air or ground as their heat source. Whatever sort of unit you pick, be sure it is professionally installed.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Heating your house using an air-source heat pump is similar to using a standard boiler, in that it uses outside air to warm water that is then used to heat your home.
Even if the temperature outside is sub-zero, an air source heat pump can still pull heat from the air within. Although they are less effective than ground source pumps, they are sometimes less expensive to install since no trenches need to be excavated for the water pipelines.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps collect heat stored beneath using pipes installed outside your house. No matter how hot or cold it is outside, the ground temperature seldom varies by more than a few degrees. Even when the air temperature is low in the winter, heat is extracted using ground source pumps.
In general, the upfront investment for a ground-source heat pump is larger than that of an air-source heat pump, but the efficiency of the system is generally believed to be better. Pipes need digging, so their installation can be a nuisance and they might not be a good fit for residences with little or no outside space.
Do Heat Pumps Work With Regular Radiators?
A heat pump can be used with conventional radiators and towel rails. However, you might need to install bigger radiators to account for the heat pump’s preferred low-temperature operation.
Most commercial gas boilers have an optimal operating range of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. While heat pumps could operate at these temperatures, they are most effective between 40 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
A bigger area for heat radiation is required to adequately warm a smaller space. It is for this reason that many people who heat with a heat pump opt for underfloor heating systems.
What Is the Typical Price Range for a Heat Pump?
Prices range from $2,000 for smaller, less efficient heat pump devices to $11,000 for the largest, most efficient ones. The size and cost of heat pumps can be reduced by installing an energy-efficient building envelope, windows, and insulation.
Energy-Efficient and Environmentally Friendly
Heat pumps are very eco-friendly because of their high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Because they don’t utilize fossil fuels, their usage helps you cut down on pollution. It also serves as a very efficient heating system.
A COP of 1.8 or greater indicates a high level of efficiency in this system. In comparison to regular electric resistance heaters, they are 180% more efficient.
They can be up to 240% more efficient in certain cases. They are perfect for those who use alternative energy sources like propane, oil, or electricity.
Noise Is Kept to a Minimum
It’s understandable to assume that you wouldn’t mind a little background noise if it meant being able to keep your home comfortably cool or warm.
Heat pumps are rather quiet, scoring in the low 20s on the dBA scale that measures background noise. For comparison, a normal conversation between people is around 60 decibels, meaning the noise level of a good heat pump can be considered safe for human hearing.
Final Thoughts
Heat pumps are highly effective and more energy efficient than their counterparts. Because of this, they have become increasingly popular among homeowners as an alternative to other forms of climate control.
If you’re looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to regulate the temperature in your home, a heat pump might be a good choice for you.