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Are Heat Pump Systems Worth It?
![A Lennox heat pump condenser outside of a home, installed in Blanchard, OK by Yarbrough & Sons Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.](https://yarbroughandsons.com/wp-content/uploads/heatpump.png)
The Benefits of Using a Heat Pump
As homeowners seek more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to heat and cool their homes, heat pumps have emerged as a popular and effective solution.
Understanding how a heat pump operates and the myriad benefits it offers can help you make an informed decision on whether a heat pump system is worth investing in for your home.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a versatile device that can both heat and cool your home by transferring heat from one place to another. Unlike traditional heating systems that generate heat by burning fuel or using electric resistance, heat pumps use electricity to move heat.
In the winter, heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and transfer it inside your home, while in the summer, they remove heat from your home and release it outdoors.
Heat Pump Efficiency and Cost Savings
One of the primary benefits of using a heat pump is its energy efficiency. Heat pumps are incredibly efficient because they move heat rather than generate it. This efficiency translates into significant cost savings on your energy bills.
For example, the average furnace has three heat strips, each pulling 20 amps. In contrast, a heat pump can keep your house warm while only pulling 20 amps. This reduced energy consumption not only saves you money but also lessens your carbon footprint.
Benefits of Year-Round Comfort
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling capabilities, making them a year-round solution for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. During the colder months, even though it’s cold outside, your heat pump can still pull heat out of that cold air.
It’s fascinating to note that absolute zero (meaning there is no more heat in the air) is -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, we still have 491.68 degrees of heat that we can capture. This ability to extract heat from seemingly cold air ensures that your home stays warm and cozy throughout the winter.
“Okay, here’s kind of the two schools of thoughts on heat pumps. It’s cold outside, or you’re not getting a lot of heat out of your heat pump, shut it off and let your heat strips take care.
And save your wear and tear on your heat pump. The other school of thought, which is the one that I subscribe to, is even though it’s cold outside, there’s still heat outside in this cold air that we can capture.
We can send it inside by using the heat pump. By doing this, we can still heat your house or your business effectively.
A typical house may have three heat strips in it, and each heat strip will pull 20 amps of power. So when you’re heating your house, you’re going to be pulling 60 amps to heat your tricep.
Whereas your heat pump, it pulls 20 amps, about approximately, give or take. Even though we’re not getting as much heat out of the outside air and sending in as we would on a warmer day, we can still heat your house and save money.
By running your heat pump and using 20 amps of power as opposed to running 60. So let your heat pump run, let’s stay warm.”
Environmental Benefits
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly because they use less electricity than traditional heating systems and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By lowering your home’s energy consumption, heat pumps help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Additionally, many modern heat pumps use refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP), further minimizing their environmental impact.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Another advantage of using a heat pump is the potential for improved indoor air quality. Heat pumps often come with advanced filtration systems that remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air.
This filtration can be particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, as it helps create a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
Heat Pumps Quiet Operation
Heat pumps are known for their quiet operation compared to traditional heating and cooling systems. This quiet performance enhances the comfort of your home by eliminating the noise often associated with furnaces and air conditioners.
The outdoor unit of a heat pump typically operates at a low decibel level, ensuring that your home’s tranquility is maintained.
Longevity and Low Maintenance
Heat pumps are designed to be durable and long-lasting, often outlasting conventional heating systems. With proper maintenance, a heat pump can provide reliable heating and cooling for 12-20 years.
Additionally, heat pumps require less maintenance than traditional systems, as they have fewer moving parts and do not rely on combustion processes. Regular maintenance checks and simple cleaning can keep your heat pump running efficiently for years to come.
Incentives and Rebates
Many utility companies and government programs offer incentives and rebates for homeowners who install energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps.
These financial incentives can help offset the initial cost of installing a heat pump, making it a more affordable option for homeowners looking to upgrade their HVAC systems. Below is our quick reference pricing guide for Replacement Cost.
Average Heat Pump Installation Cost:
- 1.5 Ton: $8,000 – $16,000
- 2 Ton: $8,000 – $16,000
- 2.5 Ton: $8,500 – $18,000
- 3 Ton: $9,000 – $18,500
- 3.5 Ton: $9,500 – $21,000
- 4 Ton: $10,500 – $21,500
- 5 Ton: $11,500 – $23,000
Conclusion
Yes, heat pump systems are worth installing on your home. They offer significant energy efficiency and cost savings, environmental benefits, and improved indoor air quality. Heat pumps provide a versatile and effective solution for maintaining a comfortable home environment throughout the year. Opting for a heat pump means choosing a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly option for your heating and cooling needs.
About Yarbrough & Sons Heating, Cooling & Plumbing: Yarbrough & Sons has been serving Oklahoma City since 1988, providing top-notch home comfort solutions. With over 450 years of combined experience, our family-owned business is dedicated to quality, comfort, and caring for our community. Trust us for all your HVAC needs.