In addition to the traditional furnace and air conditioner combo, you now have a few different options for providing heating and cooling in your St. Louis area home. In particular, heat pumps offer an alternative to heating and cooling with lots of advantages. You have to dig through a few heat pump myths to see why so many choose this option, but once you do the benefits are clear. Despite the many heat pump myths out there, the heat pump is a great option for upgrading the heating & air conditioning in your home. If you are in the market for a heat pump in St. Louis, or you would like to learn more about the benefits of heat pumps, give Galmiche & Sons a call!
Uncovering Common Heat Pump Myths
A Heat Pump Is the Same as an Air Conditioner
One reason heat pumps are great for upgrading both your heating and cooling is that they are able to both heat and cool your home. It is, however, one of the heat pump myths that a heat pump and an AC unit are the same. Unlike air conditioners, which produce cool air, heat pumps use the same reversible process to heat or cool your home. Therefore, they transfer heat from the air outside to in to heat your home and in reverse from inside to out to cool in a more energy efficient process. While heat pumps can be effective for heating and cooling year round, it is important to understand the distinction. Learn more about how heat pumps work.
Heat Pumps Don’t Heat As Well
Perhaps the most important of the heat pump myths is the misconception that in a heat pump vs. furnace matchup, heat pumps cannot heat a home as well. However, for most homes, and especially smaller spaces, a heat pump can provide fully sufficient heat, with lower energy costs to boot. When combined with supplemental heating for especially cold days or nights, heat pumps are an effective and energy efficient option for heating St. Louis homes.
Heat Pumps Aren’t Energy Efficient
Another common heat pump myth is that heat pumps are not energy efficient. This myth stems from the fact that heat pumps can end up costing more to operate in very cold areas where supplemental heat is used heavily. However, for most, a heat pump can actually be part of an energy efficient HVAC system. For intermittently cold or cool areas, like the St. Louis climate, supplemental heat is not needed as often and a heat pump can be very energy efficient and easier to regulate that a gas furnace.
Heat Pumps Are More Expensive
Also among the heat pump myths, is the idea that a heat pump will be more expensive in both energy costs and upkeep. As we saw though, the cost of a heat pump vs. a furnace over time will depend heavily on how you use your heating and your climate. Additionally, this heat pump myth doesn’t consider the relatively low cost of heat pump installation and the reduced risk of dangerous malfunctions.
There is Only One Type of Heat Pump
For those who like a lot of options, this can be one of the scariest heat pump myths. Fear not, though, there are actually a few different heat pump models from which you can choose. These include geothermal options, air-to-air systems, and ductless mini-splits.
Comparing Heat Pump Myths: What Should You Take Away
As you can see from a review of common heat pump myths, concerns about overall heating power and the cost of electricity versus natural gas can be valid concerns, and in some cases, there are definitely reasons why a gas furnace might be a better choice for some. Still, with these heat pump myths addressed, many easily see why a heat pump can be a great addition to their energy efficient HVAC system.
For more information on heat pumps and other heating options and to find out what is best for you, get in touch with the heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons today. We will happily answer any questions you have and help to dispel some of those heat pump myths.
