Having the ability to both heat and cool a property can be a necessity for making the conditions comfortable, no matter what the weather is outside. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems generally comprise one system which when installed is capable of both heating and cooling a home. Heat pump systems are an example of this and they are a common style of HVAC system.
While many central heating and air systems work with a separate furnace and air conditioner, heat pump systems tend to comprise a single unit that is capable of both heating and cooling a home. Heat pumps typically work by moving heat from one place to another. In the hotter months of the year they take the heat from inside a home and move it outside to cool a home and during cooler months this can be reversed so that heat is extracted from the air outside and moved inside a home to warm it.
There are a couple of varieties of heat pump systems. Central systems comprise a larger heat pump in a central location which delivers the warm or cool air to the rooms of a home through ducts installed in the walls, floors and ceilings. However, there are also individual units that can be used to heat and cool a single room. The heat pump itself generally includes two parts which comprise an indoor unit known as an air handler and an outdoor unit known as a compressor. Other parts of the system include a thermostat for controlling the temperature and it can also include an air cleaner/filter although this tends to be optional.
When purchasing a heat pump system, there are a few factors to take into consideration. It is important that the system is sized properly for your property. This will ensure it works in an efficient and cost effective manner and outputs sufficient warm and cold air to heat and cool your home. Heat pumps are also given heating and cooling ratings known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) and the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). In warmer locations a pump with a higher SEER rating tends to be more appropriate, while in colder climates a pump with a high HSPF rating can be a better choice.
Heat pump systems are produced by many manufacturers with some of these including Carrier, Trane, Goodman, Lennox and American Standard. However there are many to choose from and most manufacturers have a list of dealers that stock their equipment. There are various ways to find a contractor to install a system. Most local directories will have a list of HVAC contractors which will have the capabilities of installing a heat pump system. Internet resources such as Service magic can also be places to find an HVAC contractor in your area.
Heat pump systems can be a cost effective solution to your homes heating and cooling needs. They are typically efficient systems and whether you need to heat and cool a single room or your entire property there are options available for doing this.