Heat pumps are a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way to provide both heating and cooling for a home. Heat pumps differ from typical combustion heating by moving heat as opposed to converting heat from fuel. For households in warmer climates, this can save a lot of money on the electric bill.
There are different types of heat pumps that are efficient for different areas of the United States. For homes that are in a somewhat warmer climate, such as South Texas, air-source heat pumps are generally considered the best choice for maximum output and efficiency.
Air-source heat pumps work by having a refrigeration system that is equipped with a compressor and two coils. Compared to combustion heating, a heat pump can provide one and one-half to three times more energy than it consumes. Heat pumps are ideal for milder climates because of the way the heat is transferred. Houses in colder climates may want to explore efficient combustion heating for more warmth in freezing temperatures.
Every heat pump will have an EnergyGuide label, with two efficiency ratings. The Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) measures heating efficiency, and the Seasonal Energy Effectiveness Ratio (SEER) measures cooling efficiency. The most efficient HSPF rating will fall between the numbers eight and ten, and the most efficient SEER rating is between 14 and 18. Warmer climates may want to pay explicit attention to the SEER number, as cooling is so important to your personal comfort. Generally speaking, the higher the SEER number, the higher the cooling costs will be. An Energy Star certified label is a good sign that your heat pump follows all Environmental Protection Agency standards as well as performing at maximum cost efficiency.
A heat pump is an excellent choice for your personal comfort as well as being an excellent financial choice. For more expert advice about choosing a heat pump and other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at CCAC. We’ve been serving the Corpus Christi, TX area for over 35 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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