What Do Heat Pumps Do?
The short answer is that heat pumps move heat outdoors to indoors for heating and indoors to outdoors for cooling. They do not generate heat, and this is what makes them so energy-efficient!
How does a heat pump work? The answer is a little longer: Heat pumps function efficiently in both cool and warm climates compared to conventional heating and air conditions. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cooler area to a warm place, making the cool space cooler and the neighboring area warmer.
During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm home. During the cooling season, heat pumps transfer heat from your home into the cool outdoors.
This means a heat pump works year-round, heating
and cooling your home.
A heat pump consists of an outdoor and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit looks a lot like an air conditioner would. The indoor unit could be a coil installed on top of a gas furnace, or it could be a coil integrated into an air handling unit. These major pieces are also smart electronics that control the system’s operation, constantly monitoring the indoor and outdoor temperatures to balance efficiency and comfort.
Did we mention that a heat pump is energy-saving and efficient? A heat pump can reduce your electricity use for heating by up to 50% compared to electrical resistance heating like furnaces or electric baseboard heaters.
What Type of Heat Pumps Work in Northeast Ohio?
We primarily use two types of heat pumps here in Northeast Ohio, ducted and ductless.
Ducted heat pumps work using the home’s existing ductwork (supplies and returns) to circulate and deliver conditioned air throughout the house. Heat pumps can work with secondary heat sources like your gas furnace (add-on heat pump) or electrical resistance heating.
Ductless heat pumps are the world’s primary heating and cooling source and are growing more popular in the United States. A ductless heat pump is ideal for homes where it’s difficult or impossible to access or add air ducts. The outdoor unit works with individually mounted units in hard-to-heat or cool home areas like bonus rooms, boiler-heated homes, or adding a supplemental heating source to finished basements.
Is Ductless Heating and Cooling Right for My Home?
All heating or cooling technologies have pros and cons. When our designers work with homeowners, we typically discuss several aspects in determining whether ducted or ductless heat pumps are suitable for their home and budget:
Ductless Benefits
- High efficiency, all-in-one heating and cooling
- The ability to heat and cool rooms at different temperatures
Ductless Drawbacks
- Higher upfront cost for purchase and installation than other heating or cooling alternatives
- Potentially higher electricity costs
- Susceptible to power outages and brownouts
Are Heat Pumps Popular?
At Gorjanc Home Services, we have seen an increase in ductless and add-on heat pumps. With ever-increasing efficiencies and nearly imperceptible fan operation (they are quiet!), the current generation of heat pumps is gaining traction in Cleveland homes. Once you add in the current tax credits and rebates, heat pumps are an investment worth considering for your home.
