Are you ready to consider whether switching to an energy-efficient heat pump is right for your home?

HVAC Options is here to help with the journey, with information about models and prices, costs, and the advantages of installing an air-source heat pump.

With heat pumps outselling gas furnaces across the U.S. in recent years, these versatile, eco-friendly systems have become the favored HVAC system for many Americans. Should it be your choice in Options State, too?

Why Install a Heat Pump in Options County?

At HVAC Options, we are passionate about helping homeowners find the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling solutions in City #1, ST#1. We are excited to guide you through selecting, installing, and maintaining your heat pump.

Understanding how a heat pump works and what to expect during installation will make your journey smoother.

We have detailed each significant step in your journey, from leaving conventional HVAC to planning, budgeting, and installing a heat pump in your Options County home. Your journey begins with an understanding of heat pumps and how they work.

What Is an Air-Source Heat Pump?

An electric heat pump is a versatile HVAC system that transfers heat between your home and the outside air. It is more energy efficient than a traditional furnace that burns fossil fuel to produce heat.

In the summer, a heat pump uses a refrigerant to absorb heat from inside your home and transfer it outside, operating on the same principles as an air conditioner.

In the winter, your heat pump reverses the refrigerant flow to extract heat from the outdoor air and move it indoors to warm your home.

This single HVAC unit maintains whole-home comfort year-round with minimal environmental impact.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Most heat pump systems include an outdoor unit with a compressor and a condenser. The indoor air handler has an evaporator coil and a fan to blow air over the coil and into your ductwork.

Refrigerant lines connect the two units.

When in cooling mode, your heat pump operates like an air conditioner. The low-temperature liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator coil, absorbs heat from your indoor air, and becomes a gas.

The heated gas moves to the outdoor unit, where the compressor pressurizes it. The condenser turns the gas into vapor, followed by liquid, while releasing the heat outdoors. The refrigerant moves through the expansion valve, which lowers its pressure before it enters the evaporator coil again.

In the winter, a reversing valve changes the direction of the refrigerant, so that it is a cold liquid as it travels to the outdoor unit. The real magic happens as it flows through the outdoor coil: it extracts heat from the cold outdoor air!

Even in winter, outdoor air contains thermal energy.

The refrigerant turns into a gas and moves to the compressor, which increases pressure and temperature. The hot gas flows indoors, where it releases heat, warming your home.

Heat Pump Considerations

Now that you understand how the refrigerant cycle works, let’s unpack a few key considerations to help you decide if a heat pump is the best option for your City #1, ST#1, home.

Is your home properly insulated? A well-insulated home will allow your heat pump to work more efficiently. Consider adding insulation.
Is your ductwork in good condition? Fixing ductwork can significantly improve any HVAC system’s efficiency. One of our qualified technicians at HVAC Options can assess your air ducts and seal holes and cracks.
Can your electrical system handle the additional electrical load? You may need to upgrade your electrical panel.
Will you need a backup heating source? Standard heat pumps can struggle to maintain the desired comfort level in your home when the outdoor temperature falls below freezing. A dual-fuel system, which uses a heat pump on milder days and a furnace on frigid days, can alleviate that problem. Installing a cold-climate heat pump is another solution.

What is a Cold-Climate Heat Pump?

A cold-climate heat pump is the HVAC world’s Siberian Husky. It does not mind the cold and works well when the temperature dips below freezing. In most cases, you do not need a furnace working in tandem with a cold-climate heat pump.

Significant innovations in inverter and defrost technology, variable-speed motors, smart controls, heat exchangers, and outdoor unit insulation have improved heat pump efficiency in cold weather. Depending on their local climate, homeowners can choose between a standard or cold-climate heat pump.

Ready for a Heat Pump Consultation?

The first step in your air-source heat pump journey is a consultation with our expert team at HVAC Options. We will assess your home’s insulation, ductwork, electrical panel, size, and layout.

We will also discuss your comfort preferences, energy-saving goals, and budget. The consultation is the best time to ask questions and voice concerns about heat pump installation and operation. We want you to be as well-informed about heat pumps as possible before moving ahead with installation.

During our visit to your home, we will detail equipment options and features and recommend the best heat pump make and model for your needs. You will receive a detailed cost estimate and a potential installation date.

How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost?

Take the next step in your heat pump journey by exploring the installation cost and financial incentives that can help you pay for a new heating and cooling system. The information you need is on the next page. Click the link below to get started.