Hello, my name is Darby Aldrich. I would like to talk to you about the importance of maintaining your air conditioning system. When I moved to a hot climate, I did not realize how vital having a running air conditioner was for living comfortably. When the unit just stopped working one day, the temperature inside the house rivaled the piping hot weather outdoors. We had to go to the community center to keep the kids from feeling sick. While we were gone, we had a local HVAC contractor fix the unit. She let us know that some simple maintenance tasks would prevent that situation in the future. I will use this site to closely explore those tasks in great detail. I hope you can use the information to keep your air conditioner running like new. Thanks.
A heating system can make winters bearable by generating adequate heat for all the rooms in your home. Heat pumps and furnaces are the two most popular heating systems. Heat pumps pull heat from the outdoor air to heat indoor spaces, while furnaces use gas, propane, or electricity for heating. Both appliances have impeccable energy efficiency features; however, they have notable differences. Therefore, as you choose between the two, here are three factors to consider.
Heating System Versatility
Heat pumps are versatile units that you can use for both heating and cooling. They feature reverse cycle technology, which allows the heating system to act as an air conditioner during summer. Therefore, instead of pulling heat from the outdoor air, the reverse cycle feature allows the unit to draw heat from your home, hence cooling the space.
If you don't have an air conditioning unit in your home, a heat pump would be a significant investment. With this system, you don't have to invest in an AC. Conversely, if you have a central AC system for your home, a furnace would be an excellent choice. Although furnaces don't have a reverse cycle function, they are ideal solutions for whole-home heating.
Installation Costs
Before investing in a heating system, you need to consider the installation costs. Furnaces require ductwork to supply heated air to the various rooms. Therefore, if you don't have existing ductwork, you will need to install it. This process can cost a lot of money, especially if you have an old home.
Heat pumps come in two types: split systems and ducted systems. Therefore, you can choose the configuration that suits your home. If you have existing ductwork, get a ducted heat pump to save on retrofits. Conversely, if you don't have ducts, buy a split system. Split heat pumps use indoor air handlers to supply warm air to the rooms.
Performance in Cold Climates
Furnaces are the most reliable heating systems for cold climates. Since they generate heat, their ability to reach the pre-set thermostat temperatures does not rely on the ambient air. Even when the temperatures are below freezing point, you can comfortably heat your house.
A major shortcoming of heat pumps is their inability to work efficiently in freezing weather. When it gets too cold, heat pumps work harder to pull heat from the ambient air. They may consume more energy or take longer to heat indoor spaces.
If you live in colder climates and want to install a heat pump, go for a geothermal unit. Geothermal heat pumps use the ground as their heat source; therefore, ambient temperatures do not affect their performance.
Consider the above tips when choosing between a furnace and a heat pump for home heating. Consult an HVAC contractor for professional help.
Share27 May 2021
