Get Answers to Your Burning Questions About Heat Pumps

If it’s time to replace your home’s old furnace, you may want to consider getting a heat pump instead of a replacement furnace. Since these units are still somewhat new to the average consumer, you might not know much about how they function or benefit the typical Florida household. Thankfully, you can find answers to the most common questions right here:

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Heat pumps are smaller, more movable devices compared to traditional furnaces. They use electricity to transfer heat into your living spaces. And since they eliminate the use of combustible fuel, they represent a more eco-friendly option, too. It’s qualities like these that are making many homeowners particularly eager to try them out, and that’s why heat pump sales are increasing as of late.

What are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?

Beyond understanding their basic function, many often question the advantage of switching to heat pumps from furnaces. While a heat pump does, indeed, use electricity to transfer heat, it only requires a small amount of energy to meet consistent heating requirements. The use of heat pumps also eliminates the need for limited resources, such as natural gas.

Do Homes Need a Separate AC Unit With a Heat Pump?

You might not think about cooling your home when looking for a replacement heating system, but one key advantage of heat pumps is that you can reverse their transfer of heat, allowing you to effectively cool your home in the spring and summer. In doing so, heat pumps eliminate the need to buy and maintain a separate cooling system.

Does a Heat Pump Need Preventive Maintenance?

Yes, but assuming you keep up with such services, you’ll enjoy the same benefits of inspections and tune-ups that you experienced with your traditional furnace. Even though a heat pump experiences a slower rate of wear and tear, reversing the damage by way of preventive maintenance keeps the unit operating at peak efficiency.

Will Any Heat Pump Work in My Living Space?

A unit that’s too small for your home will work overtime to meet your heating needs, leading to energy waste. At the same time, an oversized unit will heat things too quickly, resulting in extremely dry indoor air.

With that in mind, before you buy a heat pump, it’s best to consult with a reputable technician, such as a member of the Southern Air team. A professional heating evaluation will ensure you install the correct size for your living space.

Are Heat Pumps Safe?

Heat pumps are safer than traditional furnaces due to two distinguishing features. First, they don’t use natural gas, thereby eliminating any concerns regarding fuel leaks in your home. Second, heat pumps do not have heat exchangers, which considerably reduces the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?

The average lifetime of a heat pump is between 10 and 15 years. However, if you practice consistent maintenance and invest in a good quality unit, your heat pump can last for up to 25 years.

Do I Still Need an Alternative Heat Source?

Florida winters are mild when compared to other regions. And since a heat pump draws heat from an external source and transfers it into your home, it’s ideal for the more moderate winters in the state.

Start Your Heating System Replacement

When you’re ready to try an alternative heating system, let Southern Air install a new heat pump in your home. To discuss your heating needs, contact us today!