Understanding the Ins and Outs of Your New Heat Pump

You’ve upgraded your system to a heat pump for your Crawfordville, Florida, home, but maybe you’re not quite sure how it will affect everything. Now it’s time to understand the ins and outs of your new heat pump.

What Is a Heat Pump?

Despite its name, a heat pump is actually both an air conditioner and heater in one. This modern HVAC system transfers heat from outside to warm or cool your home. Many people in Florida are investing in heat pumps even though there is typically a higher initial cost because it’s much more energy-efficient and energy bills are usually lower than traditional systems. Since Florida doesn’t see the harsh winters like states up north, a heat pump can suffice to heat the home without having to have a backup system for freezing, cold winters.

How Does It work?

Heat pumps come in different styles, but they mostly work in the same way. Heat moves from high temperatures to lower temperatures. You may notice it in your home in the winter. A heat pump uses energy to change the way heat moves. Instead of going from high to low, your heat pump transfers heat from low to high. A heat pump pulls the warmth from the ground or the air outside and moves it to heat or cool your home inside. During the summer, the heat goes through coils similar to a refrigerator to cool your home instead of heating it.

What Are the Benefits?

For most people, especially in Florida, a heat pump is more energy-efficient than other traditional HVAC units. Just make sure you get the right size for your home. Central air and furnaces both use electricity or gas to create heat or cold air. A heat pump just transfers already existing air, which means it doesn’t take as much energy to heat or cool your home. This lower energy usage translates to lower energy bills for you and offers a lower carbon footprint for the environment.

Furthermore, heat pumps don’t produce dry air like furnaces do. Although most of the year in Florida low humidity is not an issue, during the drier, colder months, furnace heat can dry out your home and your skin. Since a heat pump doesn’t produce dry air, you don’t need to worry about the humidity levels in your home like you would if you used a furnace.

Heat Pump Maintenance

Similarly to any traditional system, there is certain maintenance necessary to keep your investment up and running. Taking proper care of your heat pump and operating it efficiently will help you get the most out of your new system. Having the fan run continuously on your heat pump wears down your system. Set the programmable thermostat to auto mode to help save energy and lengthen the life of your system.

Make sure you change the filters regularly on your heat pump. During the high seasons like winter and summer, check your filters at least once a month to make sure it doesn’t get dirty or clogged. You should also have your heat pump verified by a professional at least once a year. Consider investing in a preventive maintenance agreement to get a full inspection on your system.

Seemingly Weird Heat Pump Quirks

Some people become alarmed when they notice smoke coming from their heat pump. That “smoke” is actually simply water vapor, and it’s completely normal. Because your heat pump absorbs heat, water vapor collects around your heat pump and sometimes turns into ice. Your heat pump has a defrost mode to melt the ice that collects on your heat pump if it gets cold enough in the winter.

Also, heat pumps don’t turn off and on like traditional systems. If you’re used to hearing your furnace turn off and on, you might be surprised when that doesn’t happen with your heat pump. Many people prefer the consistency of the heat pump instead of furnaces.

If you are interested in investing in a heat pump or have questions about your current system, we are the people to call. Contact Advanced Air Care Heating & Cooling at 850-688-9265 to speak to us today.

Image provided by Shutterstock

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