Heat pumps are an excellent solution for whole-house heating. But they work very differently compared to a more traditional furnace. You may be wondering whether or not a heat pump can stand up to our cold winters here in Chicago.
The short answer is yes, and we can explain why. If you’re interested in installing a heat pump in Chicago, give us a call to schedule your in-home assessment. You can also keep reading to learn more about how a heat pump works and why it is a great heating solution for our area.
Understand Heat Pump Operation
A heat pump works differently from a furnace. It’s actually most similar to a central air conditioner. The key difference is that refrigerant is also able to move in the lines in the opposite direction to bring heat into your home in addition to transferring it outside for cooling.
With a furnace, you either have electric heating elements creating heat to transfer in the air, or an open flame in a gas furnace. A heat pump doesn’t actually produce any heat. Instead, it uses the refrigerant to channel outside and absorb heat to bring it back into your home. This is a much more efficient method of producing heat since energy is being transferred instead of created.
Selecting a Heat Pump in Our Area
You have different options when it comes to selecting a heat pump. You can choose a ductless model that includes smaller units dispersed throughout your home without any connecting ductwork. With this option, you can customize temperatures across your home based on individual preferences.
You also have several different options when it comes to a more traditional ducted heat pump. A basic heat pump is better suited for southern states with milder winters. Here in Chicago, we face some pretty cold winter weather.
We encourage you to go with a cold-weather heat pump that can work more efficiently in below-freezing temperatures or a dual fuel system. With a dual fuel model, you have a small add-on furnace that helps to provide additional heat and give your heat pump a boost when it needs it the most.
Benefits of a Heat Pump for Heating
One of the greatest benefits of a heat pump is that it replaces both your central air conditioner and your central furnace. You can save a little space by consolidating both systems into one. When it comes to cooling, a heat pump is pretty much the same as a central air conditioner.
However, when it comes to heating, a heat pump is much more efficient than a furnace. During the winter season, you stand to save some money on your energy costs for heating when you switch to a heat pump. These units also elevate your safety. You don’t have to worry about extremely hot heating elements or open flames inside of a gas furnace.
Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for Chicagoland area home services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a heat pump!