Have you recently bought a new home in the Lichfield, IL area? Or maybe your home’s heating system has finally given its last breath. Now you need to consider all of your options. These include deciding which system is best for your home, a furnace, or a heat pump.
What is a Heat Pump & How Does it Work?
Heat pumps are an efficient way of heating your home. They circulate refrigerant through a cycle of evaporation and condensation and are able to extract heat from one place and transfer it to another. They use the same technology that can be found in your home’s air conditioning system, just used a tad bit differently.
This type of heating system works by pumping refrigerant between two heat exchanger coils using a compressor where the refrigerant is then evaporated at low pressure into one of the coils. This is where the heat is then absorbed from its surroundings. The refrigerant then travels to the other coil and is condensed at high pressure, and the heat absorbed is then released. These systems also have a reversible cycle which allows for them to cool/dehumidify in the summertime, allowing your home to have the perfect temperature no matter the season.
The Benefits of a Heat Pump
There are several benefits when using a heat pump system in your home, they include:
- Lower Installation Costs: Furnaces require ventilation systems whereas heat pumps do not!
- Cost-Effectiveness: Electricity rates typically are lower than gas rates, putting it at a more cost-effective way to run.
- Quiet: This system runs much quieter compared to furnaces.
- Safe: They will never put you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Efficient: When compared to gas-operated furnaces, the electric pumps are more energy efficient.
What is a Furnace & How Does it Work?
Furnaces have been around for a long time and utilize fuels such as wood, coal, gas, and electricity. The most common type that is found in most homes is the gas-powered central air system, which is also known as forced warm air distribution or ducted warm air.
When you set your temperature on your thermostat this system starts to work. The thermostat detects that the temperature drops below this point and sends a signal to tell the furnace to turn itself on. The furnace’s gas valve then opens, and the burner is ignited, allowing for hot air to be created and spread throughout your home’s duct system.
The Benefits of Furnaces
There are several benefits to furnaces including:
- Less Maintenance: Due to only being in use for only a few months, furnaces tend to require very little maintenance, especially compared to a heat pump system.
- Long Lifespan: Furnaces have a longer lifespan than most other heating sources.
If you are interested in learning more information, give our team at Neuhaus Heating & Cooling a call today!
