Uncategorized
Furnaces and central air conditioning systems have dominated the HVAC space for many years, but heat pumps continue to become more popular year after year. They’re among the most efficient HVAC systems on the market today, but how much electricity do heat pumps use?
In the latest blog post from Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ll discuss how heat pumps work, if heat pumps use too much electricity, and how to lower your system’s overall energy consumption. Contact us today to schedule heat pump services in the Redlands, CA area.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
While most other HVAC systems create warm or cool air, heat pumps work by moving heat toward or away from the home.
In heating mode, an air-source heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air using a refrigerant fluid. This fluid evaporates at a low temperature, absorbing heat from the outdoor air. This can happen even in low outdoor temperatures. The gaseous refrigerant is then compressed, which increases its temperature and pressure. The heat is released into the indoor air and distributed throughout the home via the building’s ductwork system.
When in cooling mode, the process is reversed. The refrigerant evaporates indoors, absorbing heat from the indoor air. The gaseous refrigerant is compressed, and its temperature rises. The hot gas is then condensed outdoors, releasing the absorbed heat. The cooler air is redistributed throughout the home to lower its temperature.
Due to their simple operation, air-source heat pumps offer incredible energy efficiency ratings.
Do Heat Pumps Use Too Much Electricity?
Every circumstance is unique, so it’s important to consider all factors when deciding if heat pumps use too much electricity. Take the following factors into account before deciding if heat pumps use a lot of electricity:
- Efficiency Ratings: Heat pumps are designed with efficiency in mind. Your heat pump’s efficiency can be determined by looking at its SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating 2) rating. The higher the SEER2 rating is, the less electricity the system is using to heat or cool your home.
- Climate: Consider your local winter climate. Heat pumps can be less efficient in extremely cold climates, as they need to work harder to extract heat from the air. In extremely cold situations, supplementary heating might be needed, potentially increasing electricity usage.
- Insulation and Building Efficiency: A well-insulated and energy-efficient home or building requires less heating or cooling, which reduces the overall electricity consumption of the heat pump.
- Sizing: An appropriately sized heat pump is important. If the heat pump is too small for the space it’s intended to heat or cool, it might run continuously, using more electricity to try to reach the desired temperature.
- Maintenance Frequency: Regular maintenance ensures the heat pump operates at its peak efficiency. Neglected systems might consume more electricity over time.
How to Lower Your Heat Pump’s Electricity Consumption
Like any other HVAC system, regular maintenance is required in order to help your system run as efficiently as possible. Heat pumps differ from furnaces and air conditioners, however, in that they require semi-annual maintenance appointments. This is because the system runs all year long to both heat and cool your home.
If it’s been a while since you’ve provided your heat pump with a tune up, your HVAC system is likely using more electricity than it should be. Provide your heat pump with professional maintenance to experience lower electricity consumption.
Contact Sanborn’s for Heat Pump Services in Redlands, San Bernardino, and the Inland Empire
Ultimately, heat pumps are the most energy-efficient heating and cooling system available today. How much electricity your system uses will vary depending on a variety of factors, but as a general rule of thumb, you can count on heat pumps to provide significant energy savings compared to traditional heating and cooling methods.
If you’re considering installing, maintaining, or upgrading a heat pump system in the Redlands, San Bernardino, or Inland Empire areas, Sanborn’s is your trusted partner. Contact us today to get started.
