A heat pump operates differently from a furnace. Furnaces use a controlled fire to heat air and blow it throughout the home. Heat pumps draw warmth from outside and pump it inside, which is why they work best in areas with milder climates where winter lows rarely drop to freezing. Installing a heat pump is best left to a professional.
Types of Heat Pumps
The type of heat pump you elect to have installed will determine its installation method and how much you will need additional help from a professional. Generally, the larger and more complex the installation, the more likely you will need to call a technician for assistance to correctly install your heat pump.
Installing Heat Pumps That Use the Air
Heat pumps that draw warmth from the air are the most common. These are installed like an air conditioning system and may be tied into an A/C system for year-round comfort. The installation of such depends on whether the unit is a split system with half inside and half outside or a packaged system with everything in one location.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
The heat of the ground can be used to heat your home, but installing a geothermal heat pump requires extensive work around your home. Pipes are buried inside the ground to absorb heat from the ground. These pipes may be arranged vertically or horizontally, depending on the size of your yard. You must have a professional size and install a geothermal heat pump to ensure that it properly pulls heat out of the ground.
Combination Units
In colder climates, homeowners may want to take advantage of the efficiency of heat pumps on mild, above-freezing days, and switch to their furnace for colder days. Such a combination is possible, but it requires the installation of both a furnace and a heat pump. It’s best to hire a professional HVAC contractor for this task to ensure correct installation and functioning of both the furnace and heat pump.
When you choose a heat pump type to install, your experience with heating and cooling equipment will help you to decide if you need help. If you have never installed a major home fixture like a heat pump or central air conditioner, call a professional for help. Experts who are trained and licensed to correctly install your heat pump should handle a job if you aren’t familiar with the process.
One Hour Charlotte is a heating and air conditioning company in Charlotte, NC. In addition to AC services they also provide heating repair and maintenance.