In a typical US home, heating and cooling account for 48% of the energy use. This makes heating and cooling to contribute to the largest percentage of energy expenses. Understanding the process of heat transfer gives you an understanding of how to cool or heat your home efficiently.
There are a variety of technologies for heating your home such as boilers, furnaces, active solar heaters, and wood and pellet heaters. Heat pumps, on the other hand, are suitable for both cooling and heating. Proper insulation, energy-efficient doors and windows, and air sealing also contribute in making your home energy-efficient and warm.
Heating Your Space
Heat pumps are more efficient than air conditioners and furnaces especially in areas with moderate heating and cooling needs. Heat pumps function by moving heat from a cool to a warm space. This makes the cool place cooler, and the warm place warmer. Generally, heat pumps move heat rather than generate heat.
Depending on where you live, your home has unique heating and cooling needs. Consult HVAC experts in Provo who will help you understand your home’s heating and cooling needs, so you will avoid lifelong regrets.
Types of Heat Pumps
Depending on the source of heat, there are three types of heat pumps: absorption, air-source, and geothermal.
- Air-Source Heat Pump – This is the most common type of heat pump and it transfers heat between your home and the outside air. These heaters also dehumidify than air conditioners; thus less energy use and greater effectiveness. If your home doesn’t have a duct, air-source heat pumps are available in a ductless version known as the mini-split heat pump.
- Geothermal Heat Pump – Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat between your house and the ground. Although the installation costs are high, geothermal heat pumps are very stable and have low operating costs. The size of your lot, landscape, and the subsoil of your location determine whether a geothermal heat pump is appropriate for you.
- Absorption Heat Pumps – Absorption heat pumps are also known as gas-fired heat pumps. These heat pumps use heat as their source of energy. An advantage of these heat pumps is the flexibility in using different sources of heat.
Making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient need not be difficult. Knowing the maintenance hacks and the right type of heating equipment for your home is important.
