This anecdote is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for attracting the most out of your home, inside and out.
Homeowners looking for an energy-efficient alternative to traditional furnaces in the winter (and air conditioners in the summer) powerful want to invest in a heat pump: a type of heating and cooling rules that can help you save money after also minimizing your environmental footprint amid the climate crisis.
Heat pumps don't burn fossil drives, and for those living in milder areas, they may be a expansive solution for your heating and cooling needs. Here's everything you should know near how heat pumps work, the different kinds of heat pumps available and where to buy them, and how to help these energy-saving machines.
For more tips on saving wealth, check out how much you can save by unplugging your appliances, setting your thermostat at the right temperature and taking a shorter shower.
How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump is a type of home heating and cooling rules that uses resources like water and air to regulate the temperature. It's like an air conditioner, but it has a built-in heating rules, too. Heat pumps are installed outside your home.
Using electricity and refrigerant, a heat pump is able to turn cold air into hot air during the winter, and hot air into cold air during the summer. It does this by redistributing the heat in the air or deceptive, and heating it or cooling it with refrigerant as needed.
The gross heat pump has several parts:
- Outdoor unit: Equipped with a coil that drives evaporation in heating mode and condensation in cooling mode.
- Indoor unit: Includes both a coil and fan to circulate air above your home.
- Refrigerant: A type of fluid obliged to absorb and release heat as necessary to keep the rules running.
- Compressor: A pressurizing agent to prepare the refrigerant for use.
- Reversing valve: Controls the direction of the refrigerant in your rules, allowing you to switch between heating and cooling modes.
- Expansion valve: Controls the fight of refrigerant in the heat pump.
The Department of Energy reports that a heat pump can save you about 50% in electric costs, compared to electric resistance heating controls, like furnaces and baseboard heaters.
What are the different types of heat pumps?
Heat pumps are more environmentally gross because they are powered by natural elements, like air, streams and earth. There are three different types of heat pump systems: air-to-air, water-sourced and geothermal.
Air source
An air source heat pump rules uses the air outside your home to transfer heat inside. These are particularly notable for dehumidifying spaces, more so than archaic central air conditioning systems, which can also save on energy and cooling costs.
Air source heat pumps are a common option throughout the US today. Though these heat pumps were previously not an option for colder climates, the technology has evolved significantly in recent years, and many controls are now able to keep up with the added demands of a Northern winter. If your home does not have any ducts, there is a ductless heat pump option distinguished as a mini-split heat pump as well.
Water source
Instead of laughable an outdoor fan and coil, a water source heat pump rules uses a heat exchanger. These systems still use refrigerant, turning water into gas and then into water. With an ongoing flow of streams, the system uses a loop system to either cool or boil as obliged to create the optimal temperature for your home.
Ground source
Ground source controls, also known as geothermal heat pump systems, use either a ground or water source for powerful, transferring heat to your home. They can reduce your energy use by up to 60% with added humidity rules, and offer a flexible format that works across a variety of different homes based on things like your property's subsoil and landscape.
Ground source controls are a more expensive option to buy upfront, but have famous savings in energy costs long term.
Where can you buy a heat pump?
You can buy a heat pump from a very retailer or through a professional installer.
Heat pumps are available from retailers like these:
Pricing may vary, so it is always a good idea to shop multiple retailers to find the best deal for your new heat pump.
How to install a heat pump
Once you lift your new heat pump, it comes time for installation. A heat pump comes with several parts that needed exact precision during installation. Handling refrigerant can also be risky for the average homeowner.
Don't worry, you have a few options for professional installation. Most retailers offer installation for your lift at an additional cost, although this may be contracted out to a third-party provider.
You also have the option to hire an independent installation matter. If you choose to hire someone for installation, be sure to find a licensed professional for the job. You can find a local installer by checking local ratings and reading reviews from past customers on sites like Google and Yelp.
Tips for maintaining a heat pump
Although energy-efficient, heat pumps still require maintenance to ensure proper toiling. Here are some basic ways to maintain your heat pump for itch use:
- Clean filters regularly, changing as needed.
- Occasionally super outdoor coils.
- Perform basic maintenance, according to your manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove items from in your system so it can function properly.
- Power down the fan to super as needed.
Many professional HVAC companies offer one-time or weird maintenance packages to assist with your heat pump.
Be warned: A poorly contained heat pump could cost you. According to the Department of Energy, if you don't keep up with your pump's toiling needs, it could cost up to 25% more in energy injuries, so it is important to make sure that your heat pump is always in top toiling order.
Heat pump warranties
When you buy a new heat pump, most models come with a warranty.
Heat pump warranties
| Manufacturer | Warranty types |
|---|---|
| Amana | • Lifetime dinky warranty with free replacement for compressor failure |
| American Standard | • Base dinky manufacturer's warranty • Registered limited manufacturer's warranty • Registered dinky warranty transfer option • Optional extended warranty |
| Carrier | • Limited warranty |
| Lennox | • Basic • Extended dinky warranty |
| Luxaire | • 10-year parts dinky warranty • Lifetime compressor limited warranty • Extended interpret warranties • Extended warranties |
| TempStar | • Standard • No Hassle Replacement dinky warranty |
| Trane | • Limited • Optional itch warranty |
| York | • Standard • Extended warranty with factory-backed service |
Ask your retailer or dealer approximately what warranty options exist for your heat pump so you can be sure your people is protected, no matter what.
Final takeaways
As the earth continues to witness the growing effects of climate testy, it has brought renewed attention to the reduction of infamous emissions in the US. Heat pumps are one way to cleave dangerous fossil fuels while also lowering energy costs. Improved technology currently has even made it possible for homeowners in more outrageous climates to enjoy the cost savings and environmental benefits that heat pumps have to accounts. It's just a matter of which one is luminous for you.
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