Five Features to Consider When You’re Deciding On a New Heat Pump

Heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient types of heating and cooling equipment available. The units extract heat rather than using fuels to heat and cool homes and are ideal ways to condition homes in Charlotte since temperatures remain fairly mild throughout the year. If you need or want to install energy-efficient heating and cooling, consider heat pumps.

The new models have optional features that help you save even more energy throughout the year. For example:

• Dual-speed compressors sense the indoor or outdoor temperatures and operate at moderate or high speeds to control your home’s temperature. If it’s not hot outside or overly cold, the moderate compression speed saves electricity.
• Air handlers, located inside, can run at medium to high speeds, which also saves you money. The variable-speed motors are also quieter than an air handler that only runs on high. Some manufacturers use variable-speed fans on the outdoor compressors as well.
• Scroll compressors are an engineering change in the units that use two scrolls. One is stationary and the other rotates around it, compressing the gas more efficiently. This design feature provides about 10-15 degrees warmer air in the winter than the standard piston compressor.
• Dual-fuel systems combine the heat pump’s ability to extract warmth from the winter air along with additional fuel sources like natural gas, oil or firewood. These systems work well to supply auxiliary heat when the temperatures dip below 40 degrees.

If you’re in the Charlotte area and want more information about heating and cooling options, please contact the experts at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.