How Does a Heat Pump Work in the Winter?
Heat pumps are a preferred choice for many homeowners for their energy efficiency. For the most part, heat pumps were mainly used in areas with mild to warm climates. As a result, many tend to assume that they aren’t that efficient in colder regions and therefore aren’t as effective in winter as they are in summer. So how exactly do heat pumps work during the winter? Read on to find out.
What Is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps act as both a heating and a cooling unit. Similar to a ductless mini-split AC unit, heat pumps require both indoor and outdoor components. But unlike furnaces, heat pumps don’t use gas or fuel as a power source. Instead, they use electricity to heat and cool your home.
How Does a Heat Pump Work in the winter?
Air-source heat pumps work by doing one of two things: moving heat from inside your home outward or moving heat from outside your home inward. The latter is what happens during the winter. Though it may seem like there’s no heat to be taken from outside air when it’s cold, the fact is that heat pumps can still take in heat from outdoor air as cold as 20 degrees or even lower.
Advantages of Having a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are the best of both worlds when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Because they use a small amount of electricity, they can be far more energy-efficient than separate AC and heating units. Their energy efficiency can result in much lower energy bills when winter rolls around. Heat pumps are also much safer to operate than furnaces because they don’t use gas or fuel, making them less of a fire hazard. Another benefit to owning a heat pump is its long life span. While AC and furnace units have a typical life span of 10 to 15 years, heat pumps can last longer with proper maintenance.
Do Heat Pumps Still Work in Extreme Cold Weather?
Heat pumps are an excellent choice for heating homes in the Cincinnati, Ohio, and Kentucky areas, but there comes a point when natural gas furnaces are a more efficient choice. Incorporating a hybrid heating system in your home can be a great option in that regard. This way, your home can enjoy the energy efficiency of using a heat pump most of the time and only use a gas furnace when absolutely necessary.
Looking To Get Reliable Heating in Your Home?
If you still have any questions about whether or not a heat pump is right for your home, or if you’re looking to have a heat pump professionally installed, call Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air at 513-407-4424 or contact us online!