Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioners.
According to Stephen Yurek, CEO of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), heating and cooling is the single biggest energy consumer in a home, accounting for about 40 percent of all energy used by homeowners. Therefore, ensuring that your home’s cooling equipment is operating at its highest efficiency is important. Now is an ideal time to call a Seattle HVAC services provider like MM Comfort Systems to prepare your home’s cooling equipment before the summer rush.
Many homeowners who don’t have air conditioning or would like to replace their aging HVAC systems wonder whether they should purchase a heat pump or an air conditioner to cool their homes. Seattle has moderate heating and cooling needs compared to other locations, so heat pumps are a viable solution.
Why Heat Pumps?
The primary difference between heat pumps and air conditioners is that heat pumps are capable of heating and cooling and are thus appropriate for year-round use. However, heat pumps heat best in temperatures that are no lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When outdoor temperatures dip below that, it’s preferable to use a furnace to heat your home. But in Seattle, a heat pump usually does the trick because winter temperatures are typically in the 40s.
How Heat Pumps Work
Traditional heating and cooling systems convert fuel or electricity into heat. Heat pumps, on the other hand, move heat from one place to another, like refrigerators. Even in colder temperatures, heat pumps are capable of extracting heat from the outside air. During the summer, heat pumps remove heat from the house and vent it to the outside. Heat pumps reduce energy usage and keep your house cool and comfortable throughout the summer because they dehumidify more effectively than air conditioners.
A heat pump can significantly reduce your home’s energy expenses. Most Seattle residents use their air conditioning sparingly, anyway, so heat pumps are an ideal choice. Heat pumps that we offer at MM Comfort Systems include the Carrier 25HPA4 Performance Series Heat Pump, which is pictured below:
The above heat pump has an efficient cooling system with up to 16.0 SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. During the winter, it can be reversed to offer affordable electric heat. One of the quietest and energy-efficient heat pumps we offer is the XP21 Heat Pump by Lennox, which maintains precise temperatures while keeping your energy bill at a minimum:
Heat pumps are widely used in Asia and Europe, and they’re becoming increasingly common in North America. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient alternative to your Seattle air conditioner this summer, contact MM Comfort Systems. We carry a full range of heat pumps and have been offering HVAC services in Washington’s greater Seattle and Tacoma areas for 35 years. Call us at 425.533.9058 or fill out our online contact form to get in touch with one of our HVAC specialists!
