Luckily living in Oregon often means having only moderate heating and cooling needs. In this case, heat pumps offer a great energy-efficient alternative to having an individual furnace and air conditioner.
Heat pumps work by moving heat from a cool space to a warm space through the use of electricity. During the summer, heat pumps move heat from your house into the outdoors, thus keeping your house cooler. In the winter, they move and heat air from the outdoors into your home, making your home comfortable.
There are three different types of heat pumps: water source, geothermal, and air-to-air, with air-source heat pumps being the most common type of heat pumps used.
A properly installed and efficiently running heat pump can reduce your electricity use by as much as 50% compared to furnaces or baseboard heaters.
High-efficiency heat pumps have also proven to dehumidify better than some standard central air conditioners and thus using less energy and providing more comfort in summer months.
If you have a home without pre-existing ducts, there are ductless alternatives called “mini-split heat pumps” or “ductless mini splits”.
What to look for in a perfect Heat Pump?
Many heat pumps have two-speed compressors, which allow them to operate closely to the actual heating/cooling capacity which is needed saving energy and saving you money.
Some heat pumps are equipped with dual-speed motors (also called variable-speed motors) which are designed to keep the air moving at a comfortable speed saving electricity. Furthermore, it reduces some of the noise which you may experience with a heat pump running at full speed.
Another advantage of heat pump technology over other heating options are the two spiral-shaped scrolls, also called scroll compressor. Compared to their piston compressor counterparts, the scroll compressors do have a longer lifespan and tend to be quieter. When in heating mode, scroll compressors do provide 10° to 15°F warmer air than piston compressor heat pumps.
Give us a call today to learn more about types of heat pumps and how to choose the perfect one for your needs: (503)623-2341