More and more homeowners in Chicago’s North Shore and Chicago’s Northwest suburbs are enjoying the many benefits of heat pumps.
A heat pump is part of your home’s HVAC system. It is installed outside your home, and can both cool and heat it.
Heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to transfer heat inside and outside your home. In cooler months, the heat pump pulls heat from the outside air and transfers it into your home to make it warmer. In warmer months, it pulls the heat out of the indoor air to help cool your home.
Note that in some climates, heat pumps can be used in lieu of an air conditioner or a furnace. But given the extreme hot and cold temperatures we experience in the Chicago area, they are used more to enhance your heating system and not replace your furnace.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps have numerous benefits. Here are a few:
- Comfort. Most importantly, heat pumps can make your home more comfortable.
- Energy efficient. Heat pumps are very energy efficient compared to other forms of heating and cooling. That means lower utility bills.
- Environmentally friendly. Air source heat pumps reduce fossil fuel consumption since they do not burn anything. They emit no carbon, and use R410A refrigerant, which is less harmful to the ozone layer.
- Safe. There are no flames or hot surfaces so there’s no risk of getting burnt.
- Dehumidify. During summer, a heat pump system will remove excess humidity from your home just like your air conditioner does.
- Tax credits and rebates. Some governments will offer tax credits, and utility companies and heat pump manufacturers may offer rebates.
Purchasing a Heat Pump
Here are some thoughts on how to determine the right heat pump for your home:
- Size. Much like buying a natural gas furnace or air conditioning unit, it is important to buy the right size heat pump. One that is too small will not do a good job of keeping your home comfortable; one that is too big will waste energy. Your contractor can determine the right size by doing a load calculation.
- Compressor. There are three types of compressors: single-speed, two-speed, and variable-speed. Variable-speed compressors are highly recommended, as they will keep your home more consistently comfortable, do a better job controlling humidity, and will be more energy efficient.
- Efficiency. Cooling efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER. Heating efficiency is measured by Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF. For both, the higher the rating, the more energy efficient. Though higher-rated units will cost more initially, over time they should save money through lower utility bills.
- Noise. Manufacturers will disclose the noise levels in their manuals. You generally want a lower noise rating, especially if the heat pump will be installed near a bedroom window.
- Warranty. Check out the warranty to see what it covers.
- Credits and rebates. Check to see if you can receive tax credits and rebates when you purchase the unit.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Heat Pump Installation
Ravinia Plumbing’s cooling and heating system technicians can help you select and install the right air source heat pump for your home. We’ve been in business since 1928 (95 years!), and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
