What is a heat pump and should I have one installed?
A heat pump is an electrical device that extracts heat from one place and transfers it to another. In colder months, it moves heat still present in outdoor air, into your home. In hotter months, the process reverses, and the heat pump will move heat from inside your home to the outside, like an air conditioner.
In terms of heating and cooling your home, and in our Winnipeg climate, a heat pump is used together with a furnace and air conditioner. It mostly runs during the spring and autumn months. Your air conditioner and furnace will take over during summer and winter.
Here in Canada, where there is ductwork in a house, you'll most commonly find heat pumps of the air-source variety. For homes lacking ductwork, an alternative option is a ductless mini split heat pump, where up to eight cartridges are mounted on the wall indoors, in different rooms, and are supported by one outside system.
Why you should consider a heat pump
- A heat pump can lessen the use of your air conditioner and furnace, therefore reducing bills for homes using oil or electric furnaces.
- A heat pump transfers heat instead of generating heat, and is therefore more energy efficient.
Disadvantages of using a heat pump
- A heat pump only operates down to temperatures around -5 to -10 degrees Celsius, before your furnace needs to kick in to heat your home.
- Savings using natural gas or propane are greater than that of using a heat pump together with an electric or oil furnace.
Furnasman Heating and Air Conditioning can help you decide if a heat pump is right for your home. today to book an appointment with one of our expert Home Comfort Advisors.
