Time for New AC? Here is Why a Heat Pump is a Better Choice.

If your air conditioner is on its way out, then it’s time to consider a heat pump instead of another conventional AC. Despite the name, heat pumps were primarily used for cooling up until around 15 years ago.

Now, today’s models do much more – and use much less energy to do it. All around, they offer better comfort and performance than central air and especially portable or window units. 

In this article, we’ll get into the benefits heat pumps offer and how they stack up against the cooling systems you’re probably used to. 

As heat pumps and mini splits become more and more popular across Valley County and Boise Metro, it’s time to learn more and see if this upgrade is right for your home. 

Today’s Heat Pump – Cool Comfort!

Unless you are an HVAC contractor or you live in warmer climates, you are probably not too familiar with heat pump technology. In fact, the technology only accounts for about 5% of the total residential heating and cooling demand worldwide.

But that’s starting to change—and fast! In fact, more than 40 percent of new single-family homes in the U.S. are now heated and/or cooled with a heat pump.

And more current homeowners are taking advantage of the technology when updating their existing systems.

So what’s so great about heat pumps? “For starters, they’re incredibly energy efficient, to the point where homeowners can cut their energy bills by 30 to 40 percent, or even more, when they make the switch,” says Rachel Rothman, chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

“Plus, they don’t burn fossil fuels like combustion systems do for operation.” 

Heat Pumps Offer Heating and Cooling Solutions

So it may be a lack of adequate air conditioning that has you looking for cooling solutions. But did you know that a heat pump heats as well as cools?

That means unsightly window air conditioners,  table fans or even space heaters can be a thing of the past. 

If your home has central air and forced-air heating, chances are there’s separate equipment for each—probably a furnace for the heat and a condensing unit for cooling.

Unlike traditional gas or electric heaters, heat pumps are an all-in-one solution. A heat pump that’s sized properly for your home can provide all the cooling and heating you’ll need. And, you’ll pay less for it on your utility bills.

The system works by transferring heat, not generating it from a combustible source. In the summer, that means the heat pump will transfer heat from your cool house to the warm outdoors.

In the winter, the pump will move heat from the cold outside air into the warm house.

That’s a much more efficient way to heat and cool than having two completely separate pieces of equipment. So much so that the Inflation Reduction Act, which goes into effect early 2022, offers rebates for people who install these energy-efficient appliances in their home. 

Read More: Rebates and Financing Options For Treasure Valley Heat Pump and Mini Split Installations

It also means that heat pumps don’t cost as much to maintain since there are fewer parts to service.

That said, regular maintenance is still a must – but well worth it for the year-round comfort a heat pump gives you. And, with proper care, a heat pump will last much longer than a traditional furnace or central air. 

Heat Pumps Are Easy To Install

Heat pumps provide flexible solutions to your heating and cooling needs, For example, you feel that your heating system is working just fine and all you really need is a more attractive and reliable cooling answer.

That is exactly where a heat pump can provide the missing comfort component.

There is a type of heat pump known as “ductless mini-splits,” that doesn’t rely on the usual 4- to 6-inch ducts to move air throughout the home.

Instead, they consist of indoor air-handling units that connect to a single outdoor unit via a flexible conduit.

That means your installer only has to punch a few small holes in the wall to install the system. The air handlers are typically wall-mounted out of your sight line. The air handlers are strong enough to be your only heating or cooling source or can be used as a supplement for those remote rooms providing an extra level of comfort.

If the thought of a wall mounted air handler doesn’t appeal to you, many people chose to recess the air handler so that it is virtually out of sight.

Read Real Case Studies Of Heat Pump And Mini Split Installations In Boise Metro and Valley County

Heat Pumps Improve Indoor Air Quality

First and foremost, heat pumps don’t use combustion, so there’s no risk of carbon monoxide leaking into the home. Second, they maintain healthy moisture levels in the air year-round, raising humidity levels in the winter and dehumidifying in the summer.

That’s good for human health. It helps prevent scratchy throats and itchy eyes, and it improves the health of your home, reducing the risk of mold, rot, and pest infestations. Finally, heat pumps can be easily paired with an advanced filtration system to remove more particulates from the air as it moves through the system. 

Expert Heat Pump Installation In Donelley, ID

Snowflake Air is the trusted expert on heat pump installation in Donnelley, ID, Valley County, and Boise Metro. Now that you have learned a little bit about the benefits of heat pump systems and mini splits, give us a call and we can help you plan the proper system for your home. Our number is (208) 205-9078, or click on the button below to visit us online!