When it comes to heating and cooling, many Portland homeowners are considering the benefits of a heat pump installation. These innovative systems use electricity to transfer thermal energy from one place to another — and can significantly lower your home’s utility bills. But they can be more expensive to install than traditional furnaces or central air conditioners. Fortunately, energy efficiency rebates and discounts can offset some of the upfront cost.
A heat pump works much like an air conditioning unit. In the summer, it moves thermal energy from the air to your house’s interior using refrigeration coils. But during the winter, it draws heat from the ground or the outside air. This makes it an ideal choice for the Pacific Northwest’s changing weather patterns.
There are several types of heat pump installation portland but the most popular is a standard electric model. The refrigerant is the same as in an air conditioner, and when it’s blown over the coils, it absorbs heat from the air. When the system switches from cooling mode to heating mode, it reverses the flow of refrigerant and transfers that heat to your home.
The biggest drawback to heat pumps is that they don’t do as well when it gets very cold. That’s why some contractors recommend dual fuel systems – in Oregon, that means heat pumps coupled with natural gas furnaces – for colder areas. But as heat pumps become more efficient, this disadvantage is becoming less of a concern.
In addition to their performance in the cold, heat pumps have another benefit: They are more environmentally friendly than traditional systems. Because they run on the power grid, which is largely powered by renewable hydroelectricity, heat pumps have a low carbon footprint. And because they have a higher coefficient of performance than most furnaces, they can deliver 1.5 to over 3 times as much heating on 1 kWh of electricity than traditional systems.
When choosing a heat pump installer, it is important to look for one who is reputable and offers a warranty. You should also be sure to select a company that meets the ENERGY STAR vetting process. This will help ensure that your installer is qualified and certified to install a high-efficiency heat pump.
Warren says her new heat pump performed well during the recent cold snap and she has seen significant savings on her electricity bills. She credits the efficiency of her new system with lowering her monthly bill from $280 to $150. “That’s a lot of money, especially in the economy,” she said. “But it’s a small price to pay for comfort and the environment.” Learn more about the advantages of heating with a heat pump in the Portland area by calling Orbit today! Our knowledgeable team can help you choose the best heat pump for your home and provide a high-quality, stress-free installation. Get started with a free estimate.