Can a Heat Pump Replace My AC?

May 7, 2018

When you need to replace the air conditioning system in your Phoenix area home, you may want to consider replacing both with a heat pump.

How Heat Pumps Work

A furnace uses energy to generate warmth by heating the air, but a heat pump extracts heat from the air and transfers it from one place to another. As a result it uses far less energy.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can both heat and cool a home for as little as one quarter the cost of a traditional heating and cooling system.

Heat Pump Considerations

When you’re considering the options, it might be helpful to consider this list of heat pump advantages:

• Efficiency Rating – Today’s heat pumps are more efficient than ever. A high efficiency heat pump can return your initial investment many times over during its lifespan. Energy efficiency for heating and cooling equipment is indicated by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for cooling, and a Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) for heating. For warmer climates like ours, the SEER rating would be more important than HSPF.
  
  
• Tax Credits and Rebates – As far as other incentives, there are tax credits that may come with the installation of a high-efficiency heat pump. Arizona even offers a rebate on heat pumps as an incentive for installing one.
  
  
• Noise Factor – Inside your home, heat pumps do not make as much noise as a furnace does – although the outside unit can be noisy and should be placed away from windows or the front of the house.
  
  
• Safety – Because heat pumps use electricity and not fossil fuels, they don’t produce any carbon monoxide, so there’s no risk of exposure to these dangerous fumes.

Heat Pump Size Considerations

If you decide to install a heat pump, it’s important to get the proper size for your home. If it is too big or too small, it won’t work effectively, and you won’t save as much on your energy bills. It is important to consider factors such as your home’s foundation, the thickness of its walls, the insulation values, the energy efficiency of your windows, and your air filtration system when choosing a heat pump.

If you’re thinking about switching to a heat pump, ask the experts here at Parker & Sons to help you determine the right size for your home. We serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Glendale, Peoria, Chandler, Tempe, Avondale, Sun City, Surprise, Goodyear and the Valley.