4 Factors to Consider When Buying a Heat Pump

When the time comes to replace your furnace and air conditioning unit, consider installing a heat pump.

A heat pump cools or heats your Midwest home by transferring heat from one place to another. During the summer, it works like a central air conditioning unit, extracting heat from indoors and moving it outdoors. In the winter, heat is captured from the outdoors to warm your home. 

With a heat pump, your heating and cooling equipment is combined into a single unit. You no longer need to maintain two pieces of equipment, and you enjoy lower energy costs since a heat pump transfers heat rather than generating it.

Find a pro at Midwest Air Pros to answer all your questions about using a heat pump as your primary heating and cooling source in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and other areas of the Midwest. Our companies specialize in plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for residential and commercial use.

Since most households still rely on a conventional furnace and AC unit, here are four factors to consider with a heat pump:

Factor 1: Choosing Your Heat Pump

Air-source heat pumps are the most popular choice in Omaha, Des Moines, and other parts of the Midwest, while geothermal heat pumps are the most effective (and the most costly). Here are your choices:

• Air-source pumps transfer heat from the outdoor air to warm your Springfield home and then extract heat from your home in the summer to cool down your place.
• Mini split heat pumps operate like air-source pumps without relying on ductwork.
• Water-source pumps draw heat from a pond, lake, or some other source of water.
• Geothermal heat pumps draw from below the surface of the Earth.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective systems for heating and cooling buildings. Work with a professional from Midwest Air Pros to find out which system works best for your Wichita home or business. Each system has its unique advantage in terms of price, comfort, and efficiency.

Factor 2: Heat Pumps and Cold Weather

Heat pumps sold on the market today do a much better job in cold weather—even when the temperature dips below freezing. To keep your Kansas City home comfy on the coldest of days, you may need to consider a backup heat source.

You can purchase a heat pump with electric coils built into the air handling system to supplement your indoor heat. Or you can install a small furnace for those extremely cold days. The first option is cheaper but the second option is more efficient.

A third option is to go with a geothermal system that takes advantage of the relatively constant temperature below the surface. These systems are more expensive upfront, but you enjoy a faster return on your investment through lower energy bills. Ask a pro at Midwest Air Pros if a geothermal system could work on your property.

Factor 3: Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance

Our companies at Midwest Air Pros provide their employees with constant training to stay up to date on the latest trends and techniques in the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC industries. 

Do your homework when choosing a company to install a heat pump in your Wichita home. Correct refrigeration plays a vital role to keep your system running at peak capacity. Be sure you are working with a professional who understands all the nuances of installing these systems.

We strongly recommend scheduling tune-ups for your heat pump, once in the fall and once in the spring. A heat pump works twice as hard as a furnace or air conditioner—keeping it tuned up ensures it will deliver comfort year-round. Ask our companies about preventative maintenance plans that give you peace of mind knowing you have a professional watching over your HVAC equipment.

Factor 4: Heat Pumps and Humidity

Similar to a central air conditioning unit, your heat pump helps dehumidify your Kansas City home in the summer, helping to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ). Be sure to install a properly sized pump for your needs and the square footage of your property. If the system is too large for your property, it will short cycle and lose effectiveness.

Call Your Heat Pumps Experts Today!

At Midwest Air Pros, you can find an expert closest to your home in Springfield, MO, Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS, Omaha, NE, and other parts of the Midwest. Schedule an appointment today with one of our experts to discuss how installing a heat pump in your home or business can add comfort and save money. Find a pro at Midwest Air Pros to get the job done right!