Heat pumps are not widely understood; however, they may be a suitable option for many Charlotte homes, especially those without gas connections. Basically, a heat pump system derives heat from an external source, such as air, water or earth, instead of manufacturing it.

The most common type of heat pump, the air-source heat pump, is the focus of this blog posting. Here you have a single unit that both heats and cools your home, depending on the season, using refrigerant. Just like an air conditioner does during the summer, the heat pump directs hot air from your home’s interior to the outside. During the winter, the air-source heat pump derives heat from the outside and transfers it to your home’s interior.

How can a heat pump benefit me? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air-source heat pumps can deliver 1.5-3 times more heat energy than electricity they consume; that could mean a lower utility bill for you. A heat pump’s efficiency and effectiveness diminish with long stretches of cold temperatures; therefore, they perform best in moderate climates. When temperatures remain consistently at 40 degrees or below, backup heat is required and typically generated by auxiliary electric resistance coils.

For more information about heat pumps and heat pump installation, contact the Charlotte heating and air conditioning experts at One Hour Air Conditioning.