Heat Pump vs HVAC: Which is better?

Heat Pump 77041: Are they better than HVAC systems?

Many homeowners are currently entering the replacement cycle for existing air conditioning systems. Air conditioners have an average useful life of between 15 and 20 years. After this time, systems are more likely to experience reduced performance and need frequent repairs. Homeowners in Houston who need to replace their AC system should consider a new heat pump system.

Basic Heat Pump Technology 77041

From experience, we might describe air conditioning as “moving cold air into the home.” But where did that cold air come from? A more precise understanding of air conditioning is heat transfer, moving heat out of the house, resulting in cooler air inside. It is the same principle that causes the change in seasons. When less sunlight reaches the earth, it results in cooler air (and everything else, for that matter).

Both air conditioners and heat pumps move heat outside during the cooling season. Heat pumps can reverse the process and capture outdoor heat during the heating season and bring it indoors. Both types of systems require an auxiliary heat source—usually an electric or natural gas furnace. However, generating heat requires 3 to 5 times the energy that transferring heat does.

Benefits of Heat Pump 77041 Technology

The components of both types of systems require the same space, but heat pumps cost a little more than air conditioning systems. The difference in cost is related to the components necessary to reverse the direction of heat transfer. Therefore, the cost savings for heat pumps is in the energy efficiency of moving heating compared to generating heat. System ratings will help you determine how efficient systems are, projecting the potential for energy savings.

• Air conditioning and heat pump performance is measured by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or SEER. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency. Currently, air conditioners are available in Texas with ratings of 14.3 (15) to 22.
• You might also see a heat pump rating using a Coefficient of Performance or COP rating. This measures the amount of heat transferred to the amount of energy required to move the heat.
• Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, using a percentage of the potential energy in the fuel resulting in actual heat generation. Furnace systems are available in 80% to 95%; 90% and above are considered energy efficient. Electric furnaces utilize 100% of the potential energy in electricity.

These ratings were created by the US Department of Energy to protect consumers, giving them sufficient information to make wise purchases.

An additional benefit of heat pumps is the development of variable-speed compressors.

• The heat transfer results from compressing and then releasing refrigerant gas within a closed network of tubes. Compressed gas gets very hot, but suddenly releasing the pressure results in instant cooling. The cool gas attracts the heat, and it moves away.
• A variable-speed compressor responds to the outside temperature and increases the number of compression cycles accordingly. This efficiently increases the amount of heat transfer in response to the need.

This technology makes heat pump 77041 technology extremely efficient, especially when no heat needs to be generated.

Heat Pump vs HVAC: Which is better?

Heat Pump 77041 Maintenance

For heat transfer to take place, four functions of the system must be fully maintained.

• The refrigerant pressure must be kept within design standards. When a flaw of any kind results in the refrigerant leaking, the system will lose function.
• The transfer of heat requires clean components. Airborne particles can coat the network of tubes, both indoors and outdoors. When this happens, it restricts the movement of heat.
• The electronic sensors, switches, and controls must remain stable. Whenever one electrical component weakens or fails, it puts stress on the related parts.
• The whole process requires significant airflow. The air filter must be changed regularly to prevent the filter from restricting airflow.

Can a heat pump 77041 improve your heating and cooling efficiency?

Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help decide which heating and cooling is better: a heat pump or a traditional HVAC system. Contact us and get the help you need.