If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system for your Seattle, WA home, a heat pump may be a wise choice. Although central air systems are more common, there can be quite a few benefits of using a heat pump. While heat pumps and central air systems do have some similarities, there are also fundamental differences in the way they control your household climate. Here, we’ll take a look at the most significant advantages of having a heat pump in your home. If you need heat pump installation or any other HVAC services in your Seattle area home, you can always reach out to us at Gene Johnson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical.
#1 – Two Appliances in One
One unique feature of heat pumps is their ability to switch from heating mode to cooling mode. So, when you have one in your home, there’s no need to have a separate air conditioner or furnace. By reversing its flow of refrigerant, the heat pump can easily transition between providing warm air and cold air. This can save you some money by only having to purchase one appliance. Additionally, you’ll save some space in your home.
#2 – Improved Energy Efficiency
Instead of creating heat as a furnace does, a heat pump provides warm air by absorbing it from outside your home. Generally, this process doesn’t require as much energy. So, on average, heat pumps are quite a bit more energy-efficient than furnaces. Throughout the course of a whole winter, that difference can save you quite a bit of money on your heating bills. Granted, in climates that get extremely cold, a heat pump has to work harder to absorb warmth from the outdoors, which requires more energy. But, in a moderate climate like Seattle, a heat pump should be effective and efficient.
#3 – Easy To Maintain
To keep a central air system healthy and efficient, you typically need to schedule professional maintenance at least once per year. This isn’t the case with heat pumps. Although there are a few things you’ll want to check each year, you should only need to have the system professionally tuned up once every few years. That means you’ll save some money on the service, and the risk of accidentally waiting too long to schedule maintenance will be much lower.
#4 – Long Life Expectancy
Another benefit of using a heat pump is that there’s a good chance it will have a very long lifespan. When you own a furnace and air conditioner, you’ll usually need to replace them every 10 to 15 years, even if you take proper care of them. However, with a heat pump from a quality brand, you may be able to get 20 to 25 productive years out of it if you treat it well. That means you could get an extra five or 10 years of saving money before you need to purchase a replacement system. Plus, having a new HVAC system installed can be a hassle, and the longer you can wait to deal with it, the better!
#5 – Improved Safety
Although the odds are that nothing disastrous will happen, there are certain safety risks associated with owning a gas-powered furnace. Because these appliances provide heat through a combustion process, they produce hazardous byproducts like carbon monoxide. So, if the furnace’s heat exchanger cracks or certain other malfunctions occur, it can lead to harmful fumes being released into your home. With a heat pump, you never need to worry about this kind of thing happening. Heat pumps don’t have to burn fuel to keep you warm, so there aren’t any serious safety hazards associated with operating one.
Local Heat Pump Experts
If you decide that a heat pump is a right choice for your Seattle area home, our expert technicians at Gene Johnson are always available to handle the installation. Our team can also handle your heat pump maintenance or any repairs that your system may need. We’ll do whatever we can to ensure that you and your family remain comfortable and safe year-round. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!
