Why Choose Heat Pump Repair over Conventional Heating Systems?
There are three main advantages of a heat pump repair vs. central heat install:
1. Heat pumps are easy and economical to install and maintain.
2 They're able to both heat and cool your home.
3 They're energy-efficient and use comparatively less fuel to operate.
There are many ways to heat and cool your home, with their own advantages and disadvantages. For an energy-efficient way to provide both heating and cooling, heat pumps can be a good alternative to the more complex central heating and air conditioning systems. For a climate such as that in Seattle, WA, heat pumps are therefore a viable option. Fischer Heating and Air have technicians that are trained to perform heat pump repair or replacement.
A heat pump looks similar to a mid-sized air conditioner and Seattle heat pumps are usually installed out of doors, often on the side of the home.
Heat pumps act as a heater in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer. When the weather is hot and so is your house, heat pumps move heat out of your home and into the outdoors. When the weather is cold, heat pumps move naturally occurring heat from the outdoors into your house to warm your rooms.
Freezers are one such example of a heat pump, and they provide a good example of what can be accomplished by a heat pump in a confined space. The heat pumps used for cooling houses are more powerful, allowing them to affect a much wider area. They are able to act as both air conditioners and heaters by being reversible; as previously mentioned, they work by simply switching the air in your home with whatever is required for the season.
This naturally occurring heat comes from heat stored in the air, ground, and water, which is continuously being replenished by the sun. By applying a little more energy, your heat pump can raise the temperature of this heat energy and then deliver it into your home.
The Pros vs. Cons of Heat Pumps in Very Cold Weather
High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, using less energy while delivering more cooling comfort in the summer months. However, Seattle heat pumps are not as effective in low temperatures and very cold climates, although there are ways to overcome the problem.
Save on Utility Bills in Seattle, WA
Because they move heat rather than actually generate heat, these pumps can operate on as little as 25% of the cost for conventional heating or cooling appliances. And if you heat with electricity, as is mostly the case in Seattle, WA, a heat pump can reduce the amount of electricity you use for heating by as much as 30% to 40%.
When selecting a heat pump, it is wise to consult with an HVAC specialist trained in this technology. In general, you will look for high SEER and HSPF ratings, which means the unit delivers greater energy savings. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and applies to both air conditioning and heating. A higher SEER rating means a more efficient system, and this leads to greater savings on your electricity bill.
HSPF is the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, and more specifically refers to air source heat pumps. It uses a series of calculations based on the amount of heat produced versus how long the heater has been in operation. Once again, a higher HSPF means greater energy efficiency.
How to Use SEER and HPSF Ratings to select a Heat Pump
High SEER and HSPF ratings are like getting great gas mileage in your car and are also essential in keeping costs down. This means you can keep using your heating and cooling systems without fear of a huge bill at the end. However, pay close attention to the ratings when purchasing a heater or air conditioning unit, and consult an HVAC specialist if you have any questions.
If you are considering a Seattle heat pump for your heating and cooling needs, call Fischer Heating and Air Conditioning. We perform heat pump repairs in the Seattle area, so give us a call; one of our technicians will be able to fix your heating or cooling problem.
For heat pumps in Seattle, WA, look no further than Fischer Heating and Air Conditioning.