What Are Heat Pumps?
If you’re used to a traditional HVAC system with a furnace and air conditioner, you may benefit from heat pump installation in Eden Prairie without even knowing it. The main difference between them is that heat pumps supply heating and cooling to your home.
Heat pumps transfer heat or cooling from the ground, outdoor air, or water sources. These units have a handy reversing valve that allows you to change the direction of refrigerant, heating or cooling your home as needed.
In heating mode, the heat pump obtains warmth from the outside and transfers it into your home. When you switch to cooling mode, the system pumps refrigerant through an indoor evaporator coil. The unit then transfers heat from your home back to the outdoors.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps have quite a few benefits over a traditional HVAC system, including the following:
- Heat pumps cost less to run than oil or gas furnaces. It’s true that heat pumps are a bit more expensive than a furnace up front, but you’ll realize the cost savings when you don’t have to buy fuel. Minnesota residents who install a heat pump could save as much as 20% on their heating bills annually.
- Heat pumps are eco-friendly, making this a great choice if you care about your carbon footprint. According to one study, heat pumps can slash carbon dioxide emissions by 38% to 53% compared to a gas furnace.
- Heat pumps allow for individual zoning, which means you may choose to heat or cool only certain rooms of your home.
- Heat pumps have fewer parts than furnaces and air conditioners, so they require less maintenance.
Geothermal vs. Air Source Heat Pump: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re ready to install a heat pump, you might wonder whether you should pick a geothermal or air-source unit. Let’s go over their differences next.
Geothermal heat pumps take cold and warm energy from the earth, concentrate it, and transfer it into your home. Air-source heat pumps, on the other hand, take warmth from the outside air and move it into your home (and vice-versa).
Geothermal heat pumps are more efficient than air-source units because the ground temperature is more constant than air temperatures, which fluctuate constantly. These units are perfect for very cold climates, like ours in Minnesota.
The only drawback is the lengthy and invasive installation process. Installing a geothermal unit requires excavating your yard, which can take several weeks.
Air-source heat pumps are highly efficient as well, and they’re easier to install than geothermal units. We can install an air-source heat pump almost anywhere, so this is a good choice if you live in a small home with a tiny yard.
Signs It’s Time for a New Heat Pump
Heat pumps don’t need as much maintenance as traditional HVAC units, and they can last a long time, but even the best system will fail eventually.
Signs that it’s time to consider a new heat pump include:
- Your heat pump has stopped heating or cooling your home.
- Your heat pump heats or cools your home unevenly.
- Your heat pump constantly turns on and off (called short-cycling).
- Your heat pump is making strange squeaking or rattling noises.
- Your energy bills are much higher than normal.
Common issues with heat pumps include:
- Broken belts: If the heat pump’s motor is running but the unit isn’t pushing out air, a broken belt may be to blame.
- Dirty coils: Over time, dust and dirt build up on coils, causing the system to stop working.
- Faulty thermostat: Heat pumps will stop working properly if the thermostat is faulty.
- Faulty air handlers: If the air handler fan stops working, you won’t feel air coming from the vents.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Heat Pump?
If your heat pump is less than ten years old and/or still covered by its warranty, we recommend repairing the unit. We also suggest sticking with your old unit if the repairs cost less than a replacement.
Consider replacement if your heat pump is 15+ years old and breaks down frequently.
Looking to get a new heat pump installed? We offer financing! Give us a call at (952) 681-2615 to schedule your free estimate.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation in Eden Prairie
If you’re convinced of the perks of heat pumps and are ready to say goodbye to your energy-hogging furnace, call us for heat pump installation in Eden Prairie now. Our pros will be happy to discuss the differences between geothermal and air-source units to help you pick the right system for your home.
To schedule heat pump installation in Eden Prairie, call BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (952) 681-2615.
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