Electric Heat Pumps –An Overview

Electric heat pumps are known to be more energy efficient than conventional central air conditioners. This is the reason why a lot of homeowners nowadays consider installing an electric heat pump system to their homes, especially those that are situated in places with moderate temperatures. Such type of heating and cooling system was introduced in 1950s and its growing popularity can be attributed to its reliable and cost efficient way of providing the right amount of comfort to one’s home.

Understanding how Electric Heat Pumps Work

There are a lot of different appliances that were introduced in the market that provide both heating (itneresting to know is that the Dutch term is verwarming) and cooling capabilities. If a radiator uses hot water or steam, an electric heat pump uses the air in the form of heat.

An electric heat pump has two parts and these are (a) an indoor unit with a coil and a blower that pushes the warm or cool air through the house like any other standard furnace; and (b) an outdoor unit with another coil, fan and a pump or compressor like a standard air conditioner. However, unlike other heating or cooling machines, electric heat pumps operate all year round.

During summer months, the refrigerant removes heat from the air inside the home and rejects it outside, while cooled air is forced through the duct system to provide cooling effect to any room of the house.

In winter season, the procedure is reversed to have an opposite effect. This time, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air, and the compressor pumps the refrigerant to provide heat and warms the inside air. The blower, on the other hand, pushes the heated air through the duct system to warm the home.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Heat Pumps Systems

Like any other device, machine, or appliance, the electric heat pump also has its fair share of pros and cons. Aside from providing a convenient way of heating and cooling to one’s home, it is also energy efficient as it does not convert electricity into heat; rather it absorbs it from outside forces such as the air or ground.
Unlike other systems, an electric heat pump system promises to deliver a uniform distribution of heating and cooling effect, thus eliminating unwanted temperature fluctuations inside the home. It also operates quietly with minimum maintenance requirements. In addition, it does not require any fuel for heating, thus eliminating air pollution caused by combustion.

However, it takes considerable expertise and knowledge of specialized tools to be able to successfully install an electric heat pump system. This is the reason why it would be best to hire an expert technician to properly install it to one’s home. Another thing is that its initial purchase price may be a bit costly therefore it is important to search for options on the internet or nearby appliance shops to get possible discounts and add more value to your money. But then again, buying it is definitely an investment to one’s home as it can deliver great amount of savings over time.