With weather extremes becoming more and more normal for Nassau and Suffolk counties, everyone we know is looking for the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool their homes. So when people ask us about heat pumps, and whether they can cool your home, the answer is, “Let’s talk about heat pumps.”
When you have a heat pump installed by Tragar, you are not looking at simply a heat exchanger that moves cool air from one location in your home to another. Our heat pumps are ground-based, using the natural temperature of the ground below the soil to help regulate the temperature in your home.
This type of heat pump relies on the constant temperature of the soil to provide a base for your home’s heating and air conditioning. Since soil temperatures are generally the hottest six months after the heat of summer and the coolest six months after winter’s freeze, ground-based heat pumps can help create a more consistent temperature for your home.
Is a Heat Pump Energy Efficient?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “[Ground-based heat pumps] can reduce energy use by 70%-80%, control humidity, are sturdy and reliable, and fit in a wide variety of homes.” Currently, while New York has cold winters and hot summers, they are a great way to save on your heating and cooling bills.
However, they do have some considerations, including requiring electricity to run. Since a heat pump takes cold air and replaces it with warm air, and vice versa, it needs to run fans and that requires electricity. That means you might want to have a back-up option, especially if you live in an area prone to electrical outages.
Does a Heat Pump Use a Lot of Electricity?
Using data they gathered from the Department of Energy, Sealed points out that 51% of the energy consumed in the typical house is for heating and cooling and an efficient heat pump can be three times as efficient as other means of heating and cooling.
Does that mean your electric bill will be cheaper with a heat pump? That depends a lot on what form of heating and cooling was used before and how efficient it was, but you will likely spend less, maybe even a lot less.
Should Your Heat Pump Run Constantly?
Just like any HVAC system, your heat pump requires regular maintenance. New York State Clean Heat recommends that you clean the filters on your air pump as indicated by the manufacturer and make sure that the indoor and outdoor units have clear air flow around them.
If your heat pump is running constantly, it might be a good idea to call a technician and have it checked out. The pump, just like a more traditional heater or air conditioner, should shut itself down when the room reaches the temperature on the thermostat.
Can High Winds or Hurricanes Damage a Heat Pump?
Debris from major storms is the biggest cause of damage to heat pumps. Additionally, high winds, especially cold ones, can force your heat pump to work harder, potentially leading to more damage.
In an interview with Wired, Andreas Bangheri, CEO of one company that manufactures heat pumps, said the extreme temperatures and increasingly high winds accompanying climate change have been rough on heat pumps. The weather can cause a need for more frequent deicing and cleaning, he said.
Express C.O.D Offers Another Way to Save on Your Heating Bills!
While a heat pump might address some of the concerns of rising energy prices, Express C.O.D knows that not everyone can afford the cost of installation. Thankfully, we have an answer: Upfront pricing and same day delivery!
When you rely on fuel oil for heating, you can be sure the price on our front page is the price you pay. Ready to start prepping for the next cold spell? Take advantage of our low prices and call today.