Heat pumps are quickly becoming the residential heating and cooling system of choice for many homeowners due to their excellent efficiency and low cost of operation. However, before you commit to the cost of a new heat pump system, be sure that a heat pump is right for you and your family. Energy efficiency should not be the only criteria for choosing a home heating system and heat pumps have a few drawbacks that make them less appealing for some homeowners.
First, heat pumps are not very effective heating systems when temperatures drop below freezing. If you live in a climate that regularly sees extended periods with temperatures below freezing, consider combining a heat pump with another heating source such as a traditional furnace.
Next, the warm air coming from your vents will not feel as warm as what you may be used to with a furnace. Heat pumps are designed to run for longer periods of time while delivering warm air rather than delivering hot air for shorter periods of time like a traditional furnace. Once you get used to the slightly cooler temperature of the warm air blowing from your registers, you will appreciate that this is actually a plus for heat pumps, not a negative. With a heat pump, the temperature in your home will remain more constant and will not fluctuate as much as it does with a furnace.
Finally, some homeowners are concerned that since a heat pump handles both the heating and cooling function, it runs throughout the year and may wear out sooner than a traditional furnace. There may be some truth to this notion, but a good quality, well maintained heat pump can be expected to give good service for about 15 to 20 years. By the time the heat pump wears out, advancements in energy efficiency will probably warrant replacing the system in any event.
