If you live in Ohio, you already know how hot the weather can be during summer. Sometimes, it reaches as high as 38 degrees Celsius, which is pretty hot, even for summer. But in winter, the air cools to the point of freezing. In simple terms, Ohio experiences all four weather seasons in varying temperature conditions.
These weather fluctuations apply to Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, and other major cities in the state. That is why installing a heat pump is crucial, especially for areas with extreme weather conditions. It is an appliance that works almost the same as an air conditioner.
You may overlook the value of this appliance if you already have an AC unit, but they do not operate the same way. Despite its name, it has two duties: heating and cooling. On the other hand, an air conditioner provides only cooling. Therefore, it is of no use in winter.
How a Heat Pump Works
The appliance typically has indoor and outdoor units that work as a team to keep you comfortable. In hot weather, the indoor unit extracts the warmth from within the house and pumps it to the outdoor unit, which expels it into the atmosphere.
This process leaves the indoor air cool. In cold weather, the outdoor unit collects cold air outside and passes it through a refrigerant pipe, compressing and heating it before pumping it to the indoor unit. When it enters the room, it is warm enough to create warmth. Suppose you are considering a heat pump installation near Columbus, OH, or any other city or town nationwide. In that case, assess how the appliance will serve you best and if it is the best option for your home, especially considering the climate.
You may wonder where the hot air comes from to warm your house during winter if you use a heat pump. Nature is fascinating; there are deposits of thermal energy in the ground and air, regardless of how chilly or icy the weather is.
While the pump has to work extra, the heat is still available if the weather is above 0 degrees Celsius. The cool refrigerant in the appliance attracts the heat around, pumps it through the system, and releases it into your home.
In hot weather, the hot outdoor air goes into the system, and the refrigerant cools the air before releasing it into the house. In extreme weather, whether hot or cold, the pump works harder than usual and consumes more energy. You can tell when this happens by a spike in your electricity bills.
Types of Heat Pumps
There are three main types: air-to-air, geothermal, and ductless air-source heat pumps. Each is unique in its operation, but the result is the same.
1. Air-to-Air Heat Pump
This type, also called the ducted air-source pump, requires ducts to work. Your home may already have ducts if you have a central cooling system. If that is the case, you can install this type and use the same ducts for the heating aspect instead of installing another set of ducts. It is the most common type as it pumps air from outside to inside and vice versa.
2. Geothermal Heat Pump
This type sources heat from within the ground or from water sources and passes it through underground pipes before pumping it into your house. It is one of the most efficient types but also the most expensive. That is why it is not widely used, although it is efficient and utilizes less energy while constantly providing heat and cool air due to its source.
3. Ductless Air-Source Heat Pump
The third type does not require ducts to work. If your home has no installed ducts, this type of pump, also called a mini-split unit, provides the same results as the traditional type. It works like a window air conditioning unit, which transfers air directly from the outside into the house without passing it through ducts.
It is an excellent choice to save the costs of installing ducts or if you want to have different temperatures in various parts of your house. Click here to learn more about the types of pumps.
Is Installing a Heat Pump Ideal?
Heat pumps are excellent additions to any home, even in climates that experience frigid winters. However, they work better in a moderate environment because they do not have to exert themselves to provide heat or cooling.
You can use them in an area with extreme weather fluctuations. Sometimes, it is better to have additional heating devices to avoid overworking the appliance if the weather drops below zero.
One of the most important considerations is the house’s insulation around the doors, windows, and walls. The appliance works best if the insulation is in order, improving energy efficiency. Check your doors and windows to ensure they are not drafty.
You will only be overworking the appliance if the house has cracks through which hot or chilly air flows into the house, combatting the effects of the pump. Check this resource https://www.wired.com/ for the benefits of installing this appliance.
Conclusion
Installing a heat pump is one of the best decisions for your home if you want heating and cooling in one appliance. It brings warmth in winter and cool air in summer. Moreover, it saves energy because of how efficiently it works. However, check the climate in your state or country and how well the appliance will operate there. Also, ensure your house is designed to support such an installation to save costs while providing the best results.