Heat pumps have become more popular in the Denver metro area, in part due to the city’s push for electrification. Customers who opt in to install a heat pump for their homes can potentially qualify for some large rebates. However, you may not be familiar with what heat pumps are or how they work. After reading this, you should have a general idea of what these systems are, how they function, and if heat pumps are right for you and your home. 

What are heat pumps, and how do they work?

In its most basic form, heat pumps move heat from one place to another by utilizing a compressor and a circulating system of refrigerant. This means that the heat pump extracts the heat from the outside environment and pumps it into your home either in the form of hot air (during the winter), and cool air (during the summer).

Are heat pumps a good option for you?

With all the information out there about heat pumps, it may be confusing to determine if this type of system is right for your home. Below we’ve listed some pros and cons about heat pumps which should allow you to make a more educated decision on whether investing in this type of system is worth it for you. 

 Heat Pump Pros:

  • Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient, and can have SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) much higher than conventional A/C units. Typically, a two-stage heat pump can have SEER ratings at a minimum 20 compared to a two-stage A/C at 17.
  • Switching your HVAC system to a heat pump will greatly reduce your usage of fossil fuels, as it runs solely off electricity. Additionally, if your home uses solar power, you can run your entire HVAC system without adding more to your electricity usage. 
  • One of the best functions of heat pumps is that one system will provide both cool air in the summer and heat in the winter. 

Heat Pump Cons:

  • Heat pumps will be a higher initial investment when compared to conventional furnaces and air conditioning units. One of the reasons for this is due to the extensive work required for installation. However, operating costs will be greatly reduced. 
  • If there is a drop in the outside temperature, the heat pump will not work effectively, and could stop working if there is a significant cold snap. 
  • Along the same lines with reason above, heat pumps may not work if the outside temperature significantly drops. In the state of Colorado, it is highly recommended that a secondary heat source is installed (i.e., conventional gas furnace, air handler with heat strips). This secondary system will turn on when the heat pump is unable to function due to the outside temperature. 

To determine how a heat pump will improve your heating and cooling needs, call us at 303.340.0077 to schedule a free no obligation estimate appointment with The Weather Changers. You can also access our scheduler by clicking on the link below.