More and more homeowners are turning to heat pumps for energy efficient home heating and cooling. For many homes, a heat pump is an excellent choice that can minimize your heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.
There are two basic types of heat pumps: ground source and air source. An air source heat pump is similar to a central air conditioning system that can operate in reverse in the winter. In the winter, it uses outside air as a heat source in the winter and as a place to dump heat in the summer.
A ground source heat pump uses the earth as a wintertime heat source and a summer time heat sink. Closed loop ground source heat pumps have a closed loop of pipes buried underground that circulate a refrigerant. Open loop heat pumps use well water or water from a lake, river, or other source for heating and cooling.
Air source heat pumps are the most common type and are also less expensive to install than a ground source heat pump. However, they need more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan, particularly the outdoor unit. An air source heat pump lasts about as long as a central air conditioner – 10 to 15 years. A ground source heat pump generally lasts longer, especially the pipes that are buried underground.
An air source heat pump loses efficiency as outdoor air temperatures drop. In below freezing conditions, an auxiliary heating element may be needed to maintain the desired temperatures. In areas that experience extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures, a dual fuel system can be installed. These systems use the heat pump for heating in the Spring and Fall but rely on a natural gas, propane, or oil for heating in very cold temperatures.
