The environment has become a focus for many throughout the world, including the United States and local cities. In the Metro Detroit area, many cities are focusing on reducing their carbon footprint to achieve climate goals. One of the many ways cities are trying to help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions is by recommending homes switch to an air source heat pump. Learn more about how air source heat pumps work, even in the winter, and its advantage and disadvantages.
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump is an efficient alternative to your home’s air conditioning unit. Your central air conditioner unit consumes electricity and operates in one direction, it removes the heat from your home and releases that heat to the outdoors. An air source heat pump also runs on electricity, but it operates in two directions. In the summer it works just like your air conditioner unit to remove heat from the home and release it to the outside. In the winter it can flip the process and pull heat from the outdoor air and transfer the heat into your home.
Can an air source heat pump really get heat from the cold winter air?
Yes, an air source heat pump can pull heat from the cold outdoor winter air. Advances in variable speed technology have allowed heat pumps to efficiently extract heat from the outdoor air as cold as 5 degrees below zero.
What are the pros of an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump has many advantages. While one of the most common reasons is it being better for the environment, which we will go over, here are more reasons that might sway you into switching to an air source heat pump.
Increase Energy Efficiency and Reduce Carbon Footprint
An air source heat pump is more energy efficient than an air conditioner. The air source heat pump, like central air conditioners, run on electricity. However, unlike your A/C, the air source heat pump can also heat your home. Heating your home through electricity reduces the need to burn fossil fuels like the natural gas your furnace consumes. The electricity used to power your heat pump can be offset with a renewable energy source like solar panels on your home or wind power from the utility company to decrease your home’s carbon footprint.
Improve Health
Using an air source heat pump can help improve your home’s indoor air quality. The pump can reduce allergens in your home through air filtration. Cutting back on indoor pollutants is especially important for homes with older adults and young children.
Longevity
An air source heat pump has a lifespan of roughly 20 years, which is equivalent to most energy efficient air conditioning units.
Lower Gas Bill
Switching your heating and cooling equipment from a standard A/C and furnace to a high efficiency heat pump will drastically reduce the amount of natural gas you burn.
Quiet Operation
The high efficiency heat pumps recommended by Ecotelligent Homes operate as low as 51 decibels. We ensure quiet operation by sizing the system to your specific home. We would also evaluate the size and efficiency of your ductwork to ensure a quiet distribution of the air.
What are the cons of an air source heat pump?
While an air source heat pump has many benefits, there are a few disadvantages that you might want to consider.
Upfront Costs
An air source heat pump can initially be expensive. Many factors come into play when determining the installation cost such as the size of your home, efficiency of your ductwork, as well as the complexity of the install.
Insulation Upgrades
A well-insulated home is important for any home to remain at a comfortable temperature. It is especially important for an air source heat pump though. Due to this, we recommend completing an energy audit to ensure your home is well insulated to help the heat pump keep your home cool or warm.
Higher Electricity Bills
After installing an air source heat pump, your electricity bill could increase. Given the current rates for natural gas and electric utilities here in Michigan the cost to heat your home on 100% electric heat is not as cost-effective as it is in other parts of the country. That is why we only recommend high efficiency cold weather rated heat pumps installed in a well insulated home. You will reduce your carbon footprint by utilizing electric heat and limit your monthly utility bills.
Curious about an air source heat pump for your home?
Contact Ecotelligent Homes today to learn more about air source heat pumps and electrification by filling out our contact form or calling us at 248.291.7815.