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Air Conditioning and Heating With a Heat Pump


Energy Saving Alternative to Conventional HVAC

© 2009 by Kelly R. Smith

Photo of Kelly R. Smith

A split system heat pump


A split system heat pump



This article was updated on 08/12/21.

Electric heat pump units function best and give the most return in areas with moderate climates. They are most effective where the summer temperatures aren't too extreme and the winter freeze isn’t too drastic.

These pumps are noted for their high energy efficiency. Compared to conventional central air conditioners they win hands down. Newer models increase savings with innovations like scroll compressors, variable speed motors, and desuperheaters.

Changing over from a conventional unit is just one thing that homeowners can do to control energy usage and reduce utility bills. When upgrading to a new unit, don’t forget to update the homeowners insurance policy.

How do Heat Pumps Work?

As the name implies, they pump heat from a cooler area (the interior) to a hotter area (the exterior). In the wintertime they work in the opposite fashion to heat the home.

How a heat pump works
How a heat pump works


Like air conditioners, they remove humidity from the home’s interior air, however they’re more effective. The end result affords two beneficial effects; they use less electricity as well as providing more cooling relief in the dog days of summer when the heat is intolerant.

The notable difference between this kind of climate control technology and evaporator/compressor central or window air conditioners is that it circulates heat instead of than producing it. As a result, pumps have the ability conserve as much as 4 times the amount of energy.

Types of Heat Pumps

There are several kinds of units such as the air-source (sometimes called the reverse cycle chiller), the absorption heat pump (the most recent innovation), the ductless mini-split, and finally, the geothermal.

In houses that cool and heat with electricity, the air-source model can supply an energy savings of 30 to 40%!

Note that as the temperature in degrees falls off in the wintertime, so does the efficiency. Why? Because there is a lower amount of heat in the outside air. This means the pump unit has to work harder to take advantage of the available heat. At this time you need a helping hand in the form of an electric or gas furnace to take some of the load off.

Many Features to Look For when Shopping

When should a homeowner consider a heat pump instead of a conventional air conditioner? Primarily, as noted above, a moderate climate rather than an extreme one, is ideal. Next, when the current system is dated and needs an HVACreplacement anyway.

For example, when the SEER rating on the existing unit is low compared to the latest standards, a pump will earn a return on its investment rather quickly. A SEER of 13 - 21 is the most common today. Some manufacturers such as Bryant and Lennox offer models rated at 26 SEER. Dated models can be as low as 6!

During new construction is another ideal time to install one, especially when what you are going for is a green home with LEED. certification. It goes hand in hand with installing Energy Star rated appliances. Always check to see whether the unit is eligible for energy tax credits.

Following are some of the prime options to think about:

  • Two speed compressors: Unlike single-speed models, two-speed models are designed to deliver only the capacity needed. When it operates in the lower speed mode, considerably less power is used, as might be expected.
  • Compatibility with zone control systems: Two-speed compressors are a good match with zone control systems. These maintain different rooms at different temperatures by operating automatic dampers.
  • Dual-speed or variable-speed blower motors: This option is designed to circulate air at the optimal velocity, unlike a single-speed, which blows at full speed regardless of the conditions.
  • New high-efficiency desuperheaters. Heat pumps built with an optional desuperheater use waste heat for water heating. It does this job 3 to 4 times more efficiently than a tank electric water heater. By adding a tankless water heater as a back-up will save even more energy and disposable income.
  • Scroll compressors. These use 2 spiral shaped scrolls to compress the unit’s refrigerant producing up to 15% more warm air than piston compressors.

So that's what's to understand about air conditioning and heating with a heat pump as you make your buying decision. Many factors come into play. A couple of the biggest factors are the condition of your old system and whether it gets cold enough that your furnace will need to lend a helping hand.


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About the Author:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.

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