You’re probably not thinking of heat right now in the Fountain Hills, Arizona area, other than how to stay out of it. But if you need an AC replacement now or are just thinking ahead, a heat pump installation may be an option to consider.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a mechanical device located outside your home. It basically moves hot air either into or out of the indoor space. In the summer, the extreme desert hot air is exchanged for cold and in winter, the cold air is exchanged for hot to keep you warm and cozy during our colder desert nights. A heat pump installation is a versatile choice because the system provides both cooling and heating, while an AC unit will cool only.
Is a Heat Pump a Good Choice in the Desert?
Heat pumps are not a great choice in climates where the temperatures dip below 40 degrees. Fortunately, Fountain Hills area homeowners don’t usually have to worry about extreme cold. In areas where the temperatures stay above that mark, heat pumps are proven to be a very efficient choice for home comfort. Another plus is a well-maintained heat pump home comfort system can last from 15 to 20 years.
Heat pumps are also very safe to operate. They don’t produce deadly carbon monoxide like furnaces. The heat pump system uses refrigerant for cooling. Bi-annual inspections will ensure all the components are operating correctly with no refrigerant leaks, which is both bad for the system and dangerous if inhaled.
Is Heat Pump Proven Technology?
The heat pump as we know it today was first built in the mid 1850s. It wasn’t until about the late 1940s that the electric heat pump was used for home heating. Changing technologies have made the heat pump very popular and efficient. With the ever-increasing shift away from fossil fuel heating, heat pump technology is used more and more, allowing homeowners to lower their carbon footprint. A new heat pump installation will also offer money saving advantages such as lower maintenance costs in addition to the high efficiency and safety factors previously mentioned.
Are There Pros and Cons?
Every home cooling and heating application has pros and cons. A lot depends on the layout and design of your home as to which is the better choice for home comfort. Specific needs and budget also factor into the decision. That being said, what are the considerations for a heat pump installation?
Disadvantages:
- Typically, has a higher upfront cost
- May not be suitable for every home
- The outdoor unit can be noisy
- Doesn’t work great in extreme cold
Advantages:
- Typically, cheaper to operate
- Generally requires less maintenance than other systems
- Provides both heating and cooling
- Great longevity
- Reduces carbon emissions
If you’re considering a heat pump installation in the Fountain Hills area, call Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling today. One of our Comfort Specialists will be happy to evaluate your current situation and determine which heat pump is the best for you.
