Air conditioning is not just for ensuring comfort during the hottest times of the year; it can make areas that are dangerous for the elderly, young children, and pets livable. Still, air conditioning uses a lot of energy; about 19% of U.S. home electricity usage goes toward cooling interior spaces.
The good news is that with energy-efficient heat pumps, be they ducted or ductless, the electricity usage necessary for the same amount of cooling decreases.
How Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps Work
At their core, heat pumps are essentially air conditioners that have been split in half. They use an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser, both of which are connected via refrigerant tubing and wiring.
Instead of producing cold air and pumping it through a home, heat pumps transfer heat from one unit to the other. Even if a homeowner chooses to hook up the heat pump to their ductwork, it will still be a more efficient method of temperature control than a central air unit.
The Benefits of a Heat Pump Installation
If you’re considering a heat pump replacement for your old AC unit, here are some of the perks you can look forward to.
Better Efficiency
Heat pumps are simply better at transferring heat with less power than older air conditioners, with efficiency improvements resulting in up to 60% reductions in electricity usage. That not only cuts down on your home’s greenhouse gas emissions, but it means you spend less for the same amount of cooling performance.
Safer Operation
Many furnaces and other in-home heat sources rely on burning fuel to create that heat, which can produce carbon monoxide. That isn’t an issue much of the time, but should there be a leak or malfunction with the unit, dangerous gases can enter your home. As heat pumps rely on electricity, there’s no such worry.
Quiet Cooling and Heating
You’re probably used to the sound of an air conditioner or furnace kicking on when the indoor air moves outside the set temperature. Heat pumps run at constant low levels, producing nothing more than a quiet hum.
Traditional (Ducted) Vs. Ductless
If you’re sold on the idea of energy-efficient heat pumps, you still need to choose between ducted and ductless systems. The main differences come down to three key aspects:
Zone Control
With ductless systems, you can precisely control the temperature in each room, though doing so does require individual air handlers. A ducted system can only produce a single temperature, but if you already have ducts in place, it can be much cheaper to install.
Installation
Installing a ductless system only requires running refrigerant and electricity lines. If you don’t have ducts installed already but want them, the process will be far more invasive and expensive.
Air Quality
Ductless heat pumps don’t circulate air, which can prevent contaminants such as pollen, mold, and dust from spreading. Even with air filtration in a ducted system, particles can still get through.
Whether Ducted or Ductless, Trust Woods Comfort Systems For Your Heat Pump Installation
No matter which option you choose, look to Woods Comfort Systems for a seamless installation! We’ll assess your needs, discuss your desires, and make sure you get the system you want, so contact our team today!