Will I Save Money on Electric Heating Bills by Installing a Heat Pump?
Electric heating bills are usually based on two different things: the energy required to move heat from one place to another or to generate heat (such as by burning gas), and how well insulated a home is. Homeowners can reduce their electrical bills by installing better insulation, but they can also reduce bills by switching to a more efficient type of heating system. Some systems, like natural gas and heat pumps, are more efficient than others.
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Heat Pump Definition
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A heat pump is a device that is designed to help people save money by exchanging heat instead of creating it. Heat pumps use the heat already present in the outdoor air to heat air inside. They do this through a heating system that is very similar to an air conditioner. Most heat pumps can switch over to a reverse system to take the place of an air conditioner when the house needs cooling.
Process
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Heat pumps accomplish their work through refrigerant. Refrigerant is a specialized gas that easily absorbs heat and can be compressed and collapsed by the heat pump system. The pump circulates the refrigerant outside to release cold air and absorb warmth, then compresses the gas to heighten the effect, and circulates it through fins indoors. The metal fins allow indoor air to absorb the heat.
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Types
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There are two primary types of heat pumps. The first is the most common and uses the warmth in the air found outdoors to help heat homes. The second is a geothermal heat pump, which uses a combination of water and the heat that naturally emanates from the ground to help heat the home. These geothermal pumps are more complex but are also efficient, and help homeowners save money.
Benefits
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Because heat pumps do not need to generate their own heat (in normal operation), they do not require a source of energy like gas or oil, just a little electricity. This helps homeowners save money over time, which will be especially noticeable in their bills. The up-front costs for heat pumps, however, are much higher than other types of heating options.
Considerations
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Heat pumps normally save money: however, they can only work with hot air or warm ground. If the temperature drops too far (generally, below 40 degrees Fahrenheit), they cannot draw enough heat to work. In this case, the heat pumps switch on an emergency electric heating element, which is actually one of the most expensive types of heating.
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