If you live in an area of extreme weather or, more specifically, extreme temperature conditions, then it is likely that you will not be familiar with heat pumps. A heat pump is a device which can either warm or cool an area by transporting air from one area to another. Although you may not be aware of the name, the concept is the same as the system used in most refrigeration units and air conditioners, although these systems only work one way, whereas heat pumps can be reversed using a valve system.
On the one hand, a Heat Pump can work as a heating system by taking air from the outside (which will have heat energy even if the temperature is 0 degrees Celsius), and moving it inside to distribute around your home; on the other hand, Reversible Heat Pumps can also work as a cooling system by absorbing warm air inside a room and transporting it outside. Heat pumps use refrigerants such as propane or butane to transport the heat.
Heat pumps are most advantageous when used in areas of temperate climate where temperatures rarely drop below zero. This is because they are designed to both warm and cool an area. The initial cost of installation is going to be a little higher than an individual air-conditioning unit or central heating system. Still, on top of the multi-usage system of heat pumps, there are a few other major advantages.
You may hear people suggest that heat pumps are more efficient than other forms of heating or cooling systems. While this is not incorrect, using the term ‘more efficient’ should be avoided, and instead it should be explained that heat pumps have better ‘coefficient of performance’ (COP) ratings. This increased COP means that you will ultimately be using less energy to heat or cool your home, and will therefore save yourself money in the long term.
Electric heat pumps also remove the need for air humidifiers, and can therefore eradicate that ‘dry-air’ feel that is caused by most typical heating systems. Another big advantage to heat pumps is that they work much more quietly than other heating or cooling systems as the compressor unit is situated outside the building – out of earshot. Although the initial outlay for a domestic heat pump will certainly cost you more than a tank of oil, if you research how much money you will save on bills in the future, a heat pump will definitely save you money, and will end up paying for itself in a matter of years.
Read On : Air Source Heat Pumps Or Heat Pumps
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