Pros And Cons Of Installing An Air Source Heat Pump
Air source heat pumps are becoming more common. These units are similar to wall-mounted air conditioners. They are installed through your wall, and you operate them via a panel directly mounted on the unit. Unlike air conditioners, however, they are reversible. In other words, they can either heat or cool your home, depending on the setting you select. Should you choose an air-source heat pump for heating and cooling? Consider these pros and cons as you make your choice.
Pro: They don't take up much space.
For an air source heat pump, you don't have to clear a whole corner of your basement or build a dedicated closet. All you need is a few feet of space on the wall. Air source heat pumps are usually mounted pretty far up on the wall, too, so they are pretty out of the way.
Con: They may use a lot of energy in a cold climate.
In a moderate climate where you only really need the heat a few days a year, an air source heat pump can provide more than enough heating. But if you live in a really cold climate, a heat pump will consume a lot of electricity to keep your home warm. You will often get better efficiency from a natural gas furnace, or maybe an electric furnace.
Pro: They are easy to maintain.
Air source heat pumps have fewer moving parts than a lot of other heating and cooling appliances. They are also a single appliance — rather than two. As such, maintaining such a unit is pretty easy. You'll really only need to change the filter every few months and have your HVAC contractor come annually to do a tune-up. They can tighten any loose bolts and lubricate moving parts.
Con: They don't spread the heated air that well.
Air source heat pumps blow the cooled or heated air out into the room. But it may not circulate too well in a larger space. As such, you might need more than one heat pump to fully cool and heat a larger apartment or home. This adds to the cost.
If you are interested in installing an air source heat pump, talk to an HVAC contractor in your area. They can recommend some specific units within your price range and maybe even give you more insight into the pros and cons discussed above. Good luck with your new HVAC system!
Contact heating services to learn more.