Debunking 7 Common Heat Pump Myths in Waxhaw, NC

Heat pumps offer highly efficient heating and cooling for homes in Waxhaw, NC. However, certain persistent myths keep some homeowners from using them. Let’s debunk seven of the most common heat pump myths to offer a better understanding of their benefits.

Furnaces Always Outperform Heat Pumps

Over the last few decades, furnace technology has advanced considerably. They’re so efficient that many people believe newer furnaces outperform most heat pumps.

In reality, heat pumps blow even the best furnaces away when it comes to efficient heating. The average air-source heat pump delivers relatively close to 300% efficiency when it’s 32 degrees outside.

Heat Pumps Struggle in Sub-Freezing Temperatures

The earliest residential heat pumps worked well but tended to struggle to heat homes in sub-freezing temperatures. As a result, they often had to switch on less-efficient auxiliary heat systems to compensate. Unfortunately, this led to the persistent myth that homes with heat pumps might not have enough heat in the winter.

Many heat pumps today no longer have this problem. Multiple options on the market work well at temperatures below freezing.

They Make Too Much Noise

Another aspect that used to be true about heat pumps is that they were noisier than conventional heating systems. The reason was that they weren’t very efficient and had to work harder to extract heat from the outside air. As a result, they’d frequently run at full speed, making a fair amount of noise in the process.

Today’s heat pumps aren’t very loud when operating. The addition of multi-speed motors and high-performance heat exchangers helped quiet them considerably. Since they don’t have to work as hard to extract heat from the outside air, modern heat pumps produce little noise.

Heat Pumps Need to Be in Well-Insulated Homes

Heat pumps won’t produce hot air at extremely high temperatures. Instead, they produce warm air and run for longer periods to heat your home. As a result, some people believe that a home needs substantial insulation for a heat pump to work properly.

Many homes can rely on heat pumps without needing any specific insulation upgrades. However, the better your home’s insulation is, the better your heat pump will work.

Heat Pumps Are Only for Winter Use

Due to the heat pump’s name, many believe it only provides heat and operates in winter. However, they also have a cooling functionality in the warmer months.

During summer, a heat pump switches into cooling mode, taking heat from inside your home and expelling it outside. They essentially reverse the process that occurs during winter.

They Take Up Too Much Space

Some homeowners believe in a persistent myth that heat pumps take up more space than conventional HVAC systems. However, most heat pumps take up approximately the same amount of space as the systems they replace.

When choosing a spot for heat pump installation, the unit’s size is a consideration, but it also needs a clearance space. There should be at least a few feet of a cleared area on all sides, and the manual of your particular model will dictate the specifics on how much you actually need. The area must continuously get maintained to ensure this space stays clear.

They’re Not Eco-Friendly

Some people feel that because heat pumps rely on electricity to operate, they’re not an eco-friendly option. However, since they don’t depend on fossil fuels for heating purposes, they’re a great option for homeowners who want to do better for the planet and environment.

They’re a more eco-friendly alternative to many other heating options on the market, and often they’re more cost efficient. Heat pumps offer money-saving capabilities, decrease electricity consumption and provide the heating and cooling you need to maintain a comfortable home.

Heat pumps are an excellent way to improve your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and comfort. Contact AirWorks Cooling & Heating, LLC today to arrange a heat pump service appointment for you.

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