Thursday, April 15, 2010

A Heat Pump For Your Home Heating Needs

If your home has a heat pump as its primary heating unit, you need to know how it works and how to properly maintain it. Heat pumps are great heating systems at most temperatures. The more extreme the temperature, however, the more this type of unit struggles to maintain a comfortable level of warmth. Knowing what your options are, and what each is capable of, will help you decide on a home or a furnace unit that is right for you.

Heat pumps work by absorbing warmth from one place and then transferring it to another. Conversely, it absorbs heat from the home and transfers it outside when running in air conditioner mode. This type of heating option works most efficiently between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It then becomes more difficult for to transfer warmth when the outside temperature is colder or more extreme, and tougher to absorb warmth when the temperature is too hot. Older heat pumps may even have a more narrow temperature range of optimum performance, especially if they have not been properly maintained.

It is also important to choose a heat pump that is the right size for your home. Larger does not necessarily mean better. In fact, a system that is too large for your home will not run properly, shutting off too early and not removing humidity from the air. The excess moisture can lead to mold growth and other problems. On the other hand, a heat pump that is too small will have to work harder in order to heat or cool your entire house, running longer and costing you more money in utility bills.

Operating your heat pump is comparable to operating any forced air HVAC unit. The recommended thermostat setting for a home equipped with this type of heating is 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Keeping your thermostat set at or around these temperatures, depending on the season, will ensure that your heat pump is running at maximum efficiency all year round.

The most important thing to remember about maintenance for any type of heating system is to change the air filter regularly. Usually once every month to two months, depending on the type of filter you use. If you have pets or a lot of dust in your home, you may need to change the filter more often. Remember to have a furnace inspection at least once per year, usually before the winter months, to fix any issues and make sure your HVAC system is operating correctly. Having a professional HVAC service person perform this inspection is important and will ensure comfortable temperatures in your home, and ensure your climate control system is running at the maximum efficiency.

Choose the heating and cooling system that is right for you and the climate in which you live. Heat pumps are a great choice for those who live in a warm weather climate. When well maintained and properly installed, they can provide your home with energy efficient warmth or air conditioning for many years.

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