Apertura. Revista de innovación educativa‏

Want to Save on Heating? Try This Small Home Upgrade

por Felica Perin (2022-12-14)


id="article-body" class="row" section="article-body" data-component="trackCWV">













This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.
















Homeowners looking for an energy-efficient alternative to traditional furnaces in the winter (and air conditioners in the summer) might want to invest in a heat pump: a type of heating and cooling system that can help you save money while also minimizing your environmental footprint amid the climate crisis. Heat pumps don't burn fossil fuels, and for those living in milder areas, they may be a great solution for your heating and cooling needs. Here's everything you should know about how heat pumps work, the different kinds of heat pumps available and where to buy them, and how to service these energy-saving machines. 







From our Partner




Find the right HVAC system for you
Like your home and personal needs, your HVAC project and cost are unique. Use our calculator to better estimate your investment, or we'll connect you with a local pro.



Get My Estimate








Advertiser Disclosure
|
Privacy Policy




Advertiser Disclosure
HVAC.com presents information collected independently from official provider websites. We regularly update the site in an effort to keep this information up-to-date and accurate at all times. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which HVAC.com receives compensation. HVAC.com does not include every service provider available.


OK



For more tips on saving money, check out how much you can save by unplugging your appliances, setting your thermostat at the right temperature and taking a shorter shower. 






See at Cnet





class=\u0022\u0022
alt=\u0022\u0022


height=\u0022110\u0022
width=\u0022196\u0022
website class=" img">



How does a heat pump work?A heat pump is a type of home heating and cooling system that uses resources like water and air to regulate the temperature. It's like an air conditioner, but it has a built-in heating system, too. Heat pumps are installed outside your home.Using electricity and refrigerant, a heat pump is able to turn cold air into hot air during the winter, and hot air into cold air during the summer. It does this by redistributing the heat in the air or ground, and heating it or cooling it with refrigerant as needed. 















The standard heat pump has several parts:Outdoor unit: Equipped with a coil that powers evaporation in heating mode and condensation in cooling mode.Indoor unit: Includes both a coil and fan to circulate air throughout your home. Refrigerant: A type of fluid needed to absorb and release heat as necessary to keep the system running.Compressor: A pressurizing agent to prepare the refrigerant for use.Reversing valve: Controls the direction of the refrigerant in your system, allowing you to switch between heating and cooling modes.Expansion valve: Controls the movement of refrigerant in the heat pump. The Department of Energy reports that a heat pump can save you approximately 50% in electric costs, compared to electric resistance heating systems, like furnaces and baseboard heaters.What are the different types of heat pumps?Heat pumps are more environmentally friendly because they are powered by natural elements, like air, water and earth. There are three different types of heat pump systems: air-to-air, water-sourced and geothermal.Air sourceAn air source heat pump system uses the air outside your home to transfer heat inside. These are particularly notable for dehumidifying spaces, more so than traditional central air conditioning systems, which can also save on energy and cooling costs. Air source heat pumps are a popular option throughout the US today. Though these heat pumps were previously not an option for colder climates, the technology has evolved significantly in recent years, and many systems are now able to keep up with the added demands of a Northern winter. If your home does not have any ducts, there is a ductless heat pump option known as a mini-split heat pump as well. Water sourceInstead of using an outdoor fan and coil, a water source heat pump system uses a heat exchanger. These systems still use refrigerant, turning water into gas and then into water. With an ongoing flow of water, the system uses a loop system to either cool or boil as needed to create the optimal temperature for your home. Ground sourceGround source systems, also known as geothermal heat pump systems, use either a ground or water source for power, transferring heat to your home. They can reduce your energy use by up to 60% with added humidity controls, and offer a flexible format that works across a variety of different homes based on things like your property's subsoil and landscape.Ground source systems are a more expensive option to buy upfront, but have significant savings in energy costs long term. 




















Home Depothvac near me kindly check out our website. Most retailers offer installation for your purchase at an additional cost, although this may be contracted out to a third-party provider. You also have the option to hire an independent installation company. If you choose to hire someone for installation, be sure to find a licensed professional for the job. You can find a local installer by checking local ratings and reading reviews from past customers on sites like Google and Yelp.Tips for maintaining a heat pumpAlthough energy-efficient, heat pumps still require maintenance to ensure proper function. Here are some basic ways to maintain your heat pump for extended use:Clean filters regularly, changing as needed. Occasionally clean outdoor coils.Perform basic maintenance, according to your manufacturer's instructions.Remove items from around your system so it can function properly. Power down the fan to clean as needed. Many professional HVAC companies offer one-time or regular maintenance packages to assist with your heat pump. 















Be warned: A poorly maintained heat pump could cost you. According to the Department of Energy, if you don't keep up with your pump's working needs, it could cost up to 25% more in energy costs, so it is important to make sure that your heat pump is always in top working order.Heat pump warrantiesWhen you buy a new heat pump, most models come with a warranty.  Heat pump warranties


Manufacturer





Warranty types
Amana





• Lifetime limited warranty with free replacement for compressor failure
American Standard





• Base limited manufacturer's warranty • Registered limited manufacturer's warranty • Registered limited warranty transfer option • Optional extended warranty


Carrier





• Limited warranty


Lennox





• Basic • Extended limited warranty


Luxaire





• 10-year parts limited warranty • Lifetime compressor limited warranty • Extended labor warranties • Extended warranties


TempStar





• Standard • No Hassle Replacement limited warranty


Trane





• Limited • Optional extended warranty


York





• Standard • Extended warranty with factory-backed service

Ask your retailer or dealer about what warranty options exist for your heat pump so you can be sure your family is protected, no matter what.Final takeawaysAs the world continues to witness the growing effects of climate change, it has brought renewed attention to the reduction of harmful emissions in the US. Heat pumps are one way to reduce dangerous fossil fuels while also lowering energy costs. Improved technology today has even made it possible for homeowners in more extreme climates to enjoy the cost savings and environmental benefits that heat pumps have to offer. It's just a matter of which one is right for you.

More home tips

Furnace Buying Guide for Your Home

How to Clean Your Air Ducts

Best Smart Thermostats for 2022