Comparing Different Kinds of Heat Pumps

When it comes to HVAC equipment for your Bellefonte, PA home, heat pumps are the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. They also help to maintain good indoor air quality and they generally require less maintenance.

Air Source Pumps

This is the most popular type of pump. In summer, it works like a standard air conditioner. In winter, it harvests warmth from outdoor air and moves it inside to heat your home. Air source pumps have efficiencies of up to 300 percent. In other words, for every unit of electricity invested you get three units of heat in return. Gas furnaces are about 90 to 98 percent efficient at most. Air source pumps work well in climates with winter temperatures above freezing. If temperatures routinely descend below 30°F, a supplemental heating source like a furnace may be required for backup.

Ground Source Pumps

Ground source or geothermal systems harvest warmth that’s stored below the frost line underground. Ground source systems can keep your home warm even during the coldest weather. That’s because there’s no shortage of warmth below ground.

Ductless Mini-splits

Ductless pumps can use up to 50 percent less energy compared to electric heaters and furnaces. Mini-splits have an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that deliver heat or AC directly into a room or zone. The indoor units all have thermostats, so you can heat and cool only the rooms you choose. That saves considerably on energy bills. Because no ductwork is involved, you won’t be losing up to 30 percent of treated air through ductwork leaks.

Triangle Heating & Cooling is a Trane Comfort Specialist. To learn more about our high-efficiency air source heat pumps and ductless mini-splits, call us at (814) 355-7653.