Understanding the Different Types of Heat Pumps in Charlotte, NC

Heat pumps use refrigerant and electricity to provide your home with both heating and cooling. They’re more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, but choosing the right one can be a confusing process. Here are the most popular types of heat pumps in Charlotte, NC:

Air Source

One of the least expensive and most common types of heat pumps is the air-to-air system. They pull heat from the air around your home and transfer it inside to heat it; to cool your home, they absorb heat and expel it outside. These heat pumps are generally the easiest type to install.

Ground Source

A geothermal heat pump extracts heat from the soil deep down near your foundation. They’re more dependable than air-source heat pumps in the winter when the temperatures sink below freezing. Unfortunately, they tend to have high installation costs, as they can require extensive excavation.

Water Source

If your property is close to a significant body of water, like a lake, ocean or river, you should consider a water-source heat pump. This heat pump pump moves the water through a variety of pipes, extracting its heat before returning it to the source.

You can count on these systems to be more reliable than air-source heat pumps and less expensive than ground-source. The only downside is that they require constant water and may need a backup heater during the cold months, similar to an air-source system.

Heat Pump Sub-Types

In addition to the three main types, there are sub-types like hybrid heat pumps, solar options or systems that utilize natural gas. The most common way to install a heat pump is as a split system with indoor and outdoor units. However, a ductless mini-split, which conveniently requires no ductwork, may also be a better option for your home.

A new heat pump can modernize and improve your household’s seasonal temperature control. Call AirWorks Cooling & Heating, LLC for expert heat pump service in Charlotte, NC.

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