Heat pumps offer a variety of unique benefits compared to other types of HVAC systems. There are many times that a heat pump is beneficial. But heat pumps cannot usually keep up with heating homes on the coldest days here in New Jersey.
If you have a heat pump system that you love but need a little bit more out of it, you can schedule a heat pump service in Galloway, NJ. First, our team can check your heat pump to make sure that there are no issues contributing to a lack of heat. If it is simply that temperatures are too cold outside, we can talk to you about a dual fuel system instead. You can keep reading to learn more about heat pumps, the potential problems they can run into on the coldest days of winter, and what your options are.
How Heat Pumps Work to Heat Your Home
A heat pump is most closely associated with a central air conditioner. In fact, for cooling operations, a heat pump is not all that different from a central air conditioner. The key difference is that a heat pump is also able to operate as a heater. And the way it provides heat is completely unique from any other type of heater or furnace.
A heat pump has a reversing valve and a handful of other unique pieces of technology that allow the refrigerant to move in the opposite direction within the lines to bring heat into your home during the winter. This is a huge benefit because you stand to save a lot of money on your energy costs. Transferring heat from one place to another is much more energy efficient compared to a gas or electric furnace that creates heat instead.
Heat Pump Shortcomings
The downside to a heat pump is that when temperatures plummet to single digits, a heat pump can struggle with efficiency. On those coldest days of winter, you may find that your heat pump needs to work longer to keep your home warm and comfortable. However, there are cold-weather heat pump options that don’t experience this loss of efficiency.
If this happens when you have a heat pump, first schedule a tune-up appointment with our team of professionals. We can inspect your heat pump inside and out to make sure there aren’t any problems contributing to a lack of heat. If there are, we can fix them and see if that helps.
Additional Options
There’s more good news if you have your heart set on a heat pump. A dual fuel system is a great option in our area. A dual fuel system consists of a heat pump and a small furnace that is designed to help your heat pump by kicking in on the coldest days of the year.
On those very cold days of winter when your heat pump loses efficiency, an add-on furnace can take over and help your heat pump provide warmth to your home. This is a huge benefit because you can still enjoy the energy efficiency of a heat pump while also having a backup for when you need it most.
Your comfort is our business here at Elliott McElwee. Contact our team today to schedule your appointment for heat pump service.