Heat Pumps: Advantages and Disadvantages

Heat Pumps have become fairly popular over the past few years. They are undoubtedly one of the most efficient options for residential & commercial heating and cooling purposes available in the market today!

So whether you are a domestic user or a business owner planning to invest in an electric heat pump, please continue reading to learn more about how they work. Since choosing a heating & cooling system is an important decision that requires significant investment, we will also discuss their advantages and disadvantages so that you have a clear view of each side and can make an informed decision. So without further ado, let’s dive into it.

What Are Heat Pumps And How Do They Work?

Heat pumps use a compressor and refrigerant to move heat from one place to another. This process extracts heat from outside sources and then pumps it into the house. These systems are comparatively economical because pumping the heat requires a lot less electrical energy than the typical methods of turning electricity into heat. Contrary to their names, these same systems can be used in hot months by reversing the cycle, and they will act as an air conditioner instead.

Advantages Of Heat Pumps?

1. Lower Running Cost

Generally, the running costs for heat pumps are cheaper than combustion-based systems. As discussed earlier, heat pumps use external heat and cold to regulate the temperature in a building efficiently. As a result, they use less power than other electric heating and cooling systems. This is one of the primary reasons why these systems are so popular among home and business owners.

2. Provides Both Heating & Cooling

Thanks to a reversing valve in the outdoor unit of a heat pump, you can save a lot of money since you don't have to buy a heater and an air conditioner separately. These devices can maintain ideal temperatures all year round. In fact, since only one system would be running, you can save money on maintenance, and repair too.

3. Less Maintenance

As compared to gas, electric, and wood-burning heaters, heat pumps require less maintenance. Just having your heat pump maintained once a year would ensure that it’s running smoothly. You can maintain it yourself too. However, it is advisable to have a professional HVAC technician check your system every three or five years.

4. Better Safety

Heat pumps are certainly not a fool-proof solution. However, if compared to combustion-based heating systems, they are definitely a safe bet. They are safe, unlike their counterparts, because they do not need to burn fuel to generate heat instead they rely on electricity.

Apart from this, these systems also improve your indoor air quality by filtering pollen, humidity, and airborne pathogens.

Disadvantages Of Heat Pumps?

1. High Upfront Cost

Compared to many heating and cooling solutions available on the market, heat pumps have a significant upfront cost. This is often a major concern for many buyers, but since these systems are energy-efficient, their low operating cost translates to long-term savings on energy bills.

2. Difficult To Install

Installing a heat pump, especially geothermal, is a difficult task and requires proper research about the movement of heat, local geology, and the services of a trained HVAC professional. This all adds to the initial cost.

3. Not Suitable For Extreme Cold Weather

Heat pumps extract external heat to provide indoor heat. But in areas that experience extreme cold weather, it gets hard for the system to get enough heat.

Now that you understand how Heat Pumps work and their advantages and disadvantages, you’re in an excellent position to make an informed decision. However, we recommend consulting professionals before investing in a new system.

Not sure where to find the best heat pumps for your home or commercial facility? You can check out ProServices Supply’s website for a complete range of heat pumps to order online with quick delivery and installation service.