Heat Pumps in Colorado 101: Everything You Need to Know
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an energy-efficient HVAC system that uses electrical energy to push heat through a home instead of gas. Where a heat pump differs the most from a traditional heating and cooling unit is the fact that it doesn’t generate heat, it actually transfers and circulates heat. Plus, it can be used for more than just heating! During the winter, it pulls heat from the air outside and transfers it into the home. But in the summer, it will actually transfer heat from inside the house to the outside to keep a regulated temperature.
Types of Heat Pump Systems
Most homes in Colorado can benefit from a heat pump system even though some people may be concerned about its functionality in cold climates. These modern units are capable of performing well in any environment as long as they have the right components to function properly. Your home needs the right electrical load capacity to ensure it runs at peak performance. Also, heat pumps are typically set up with a backup gas furnace system as a heat source if the temperatures get too cold for the heat pump to function. Some of the most common types of heat pump systems are:
- Standard Heat Pumps
- Dual-Fuel (Hybrid) Heat Pumps
- Cold Climate Heat Pumps
- Ductless Heat Pumps
The Initial Investment
When you decide to invest in a heat pump system, you aren’t just getting a new heating and cooling unit. You’re getting an energy-efficient option that will help save you money in the long run. We also understand that some people may be intimidated by the initial investment of the heat pump installation itself.
Since governments are trying to move communities toward a more sustainable way of living, there are a variety of incentives and rebates available to homeowners to make your investment more affordable than ever! You can talk with our team to get more information on which deals might be the best for you and see if you qualify for them.
The Concern of High Energy Bills
Since heat pump systems run mainly off of electricity instead of gas, it’s important to understand what could be causing abnormally large utility bills.
Extreme Cold
When freezing and negative temperatures start to happen in Colorado, it can cause problems with the heat pump extracting heat. This causes the compressor to work hard, which could increase the cycling time if you don’t have a backup furnace in place.
Poor Insulation
If a home isn’t insulated properly, especially with older homes, the heat pump will run more consistently in order to keep up with the temperature you set on the thermostat. This leads to higher usage, so it might be a good idea to check your insulation before you install your new unit to ensure you get the most energy efficiency possible.
Oversized or Undersized Systems
If a heating and cooling system is too large for the home, it will cause it to have shorter cycles where the unit will turn on and off more frequently. This leads to increased energy consumption, uneven temperatures, and even early system failure. On the flip side, if your system is too small, you will hear it run more constantly since it struggles to meet the demand of maintaining temperatures throughout the whole home.
System Issues
There are a variety of system issues, just like any other heating and cooling system, that can cause your heat pump to not function at its peak performance. The issues could range from frozen coils and refrigerant leaks to faulty sensors and a lack of maintenance. If you’re worried about your system, get in touch with our team of qualified HVAC technicians so we can quickly troubleshoot your system.
Tips to Reduce Your Electricity Consumption
If you’re looking to reduce your electricity consumption with your new heat pump, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your system is truly energy efficient.
- Improve insulation to reduce heat loss.
- Don’t constantly change the thermostat temperature you set.
- Get regular maintenance and don’t settle for DIY fixes.
- Monitor your usage monthly if you still get recurring electricity bills.
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As a homeowner in Northern Colorado, a heat pump system could be the perfect solution you’ve been searching for when it comes to heating and cooling solutions.
