Our team is growing! View current openings and apply today. Read More

Skip navigation

24-Hour Service

Menu

Heat Pumps

Benefits of Using a Heat Pump in Pittsburgh

Home | Blog | Published on April 1st, 2013

At Boehmer Heating & Cooling, we do everything we can to ensure that our clients are able to keep their homes comfortable throughout the entire year. That is why we offer such a great selection of home heating and air conditioning systems to choose from, as well as a wide array of outstanding HVAC services. We also like to help our customers keep comfortable in the most efficient way possible. We know how expensive it can be to heat and cool a home. If you are interested in an efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, give us a call to learn more about the benefits of using a heat pump in Pittsburgh.

One great benefit of using a heat pump in Pittsburgh is the fact that it acts as both a heating and air conditioning system. This means that you only need to invest in one system in order to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. A heat pump works by transferring warm air from outside to inside during the winter, and reverses the process in summer to move warm air out, providing efficient heating and cooling. When you schedule your heat pump installation with a qualified professional you can count on a great, reliable performance, no matter what season it is. To understand the full scope of benefits and potential challenges, consider reading about the pros and cons of heat pumps in cold weather climate.

Of course, many home comfort system options double as both heating and cooling systems. What truly sets a heat pump apart is the great benefit of its outstanding efficiency. Heat pumps are among the most efficient heating and cooling systems available, especially efficient heat pumps and high efficiency models, which can help homeowners save money on utility bills. The more efficient a heating and cooling system is, the less it costs to keep your home comfortable. If you’re curious why so many homeowners are making the switch, check out these 5 reasons homeowners are switching to a heat pump. Selecting a heat pump with the appropriate cooling capacity for your home’s needs is essential for optimal performance and energy savings.

The key to the great efficiency with which heat pumps operate is their dependence on the heat transfer principle to heat and cool your home, as opposed to the consumption of fuel. A heat pump uses just a small amount of electricity to transfer heat into or out of your home, unlike a traditional system such as an air conditioner or furnace. By transferring existing heat, a heat pump is able to keep you comfortable while using very little energy. This is not only a great benefit to your budget but also to the environment. To ensure your system continues to operate efficiently, it’s crucial to know how to maintain your heat pump. When considering upgrades or replacements, installing a new heat pump system or a new hvac system can provide improved efficiency, but it’s important to factor in upfront costs and installation costs. Heat pump installation costs range from $6,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on various factors such as system type and installation complexity.

A heat pump system consists of several key components: the outdoor unit (which contains the compressor), the indoor unit (often called the air handler), the outdoor condenser, the heat pump unit itself, and refrigerant lines that circulate refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor components. Proper sizing and installation of these parts are essential for reliable operation. Alternative system types, such as geothermal heat pump systems or geothermal systems, use a ground loop to transfer energy from the earth, offering even greater efficiency and long-term savings.

Climate considerations are important when selecting a heat pump. Outdoor temperature, temperatures drop, the length of the heating season and cooling season, as well as whether you live in warmer climates or colder regions, all affect heat pump performance and system selection. In colder regions, supplemental heating such as electric resistance heating or hybrid systems using natural gas may be necessary. Heat pumps should be elevated above ground level to keep coils clear of snow and allow for proper drainage, ensuring optimal performance in various weather conditions.

Proper installation and maintenance are critical. Hiring qualified hvac contractors is essential, as many hvac contractors may not follow best practices, leading to issues with efficiency and reliability. Consulting a local hvac dealer can help you get accurate quotes tailored to your home’s needs. The hvac industry is constantly evolving, and factors such as installation requirements, installation complexity, labor costs, repair costs, ductwork repair, and the potential to reuse your home’s existing ductwork can all impact your project.

Modern heat pumps offer advanced features such as improved air quality, enhanced humidity control, and high seasonal performance factor ratings, which are important considerations for comfort and energy savings. Hybrid systems that use natural gas for backup heating and electric resistance heating for additional support during extreme cold can further improve efficiency and reliability.

Introduction to Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are an innovative solution for homeowners seeking efficient heating and cooling all year round. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that generate heat by burning fuel, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from one place to another. In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air—even when it’s cold outside—and brings it indoors to keep your home warm. During the summer, the process reverses, and the heat pump moves heat from inside your home to the outdoors, providing cool, comfortable air. This method of transferring heat, rather than generating it, results in significant energy savings and lower energy costs. By choosing a heat pump, you can enjoy reliable heating and cooling while reducing your carbon footprint and making your home more environmentally friendly.

Types of Heat Pumps

When considering a heat pump for your home, it’s important to understand the different types available. The most common option is the air source heat pump, which uses outdoor air to provide both heating and cooling. Air source heat pumps are popular for their versatility and ease of installation. For homeowners looking for even greater efficiency, geothermal heat pumps are an excellent choice. These systems use the stable temperatures found underground to heat and cool your home, offering exceptional performance and energy savings. Another option is a hybrid system, which combines a heat pump with a gas furnace or another heating source. Hybrid systems automatically switch between the heat pump and the furnace to ensure optimal efficiency and comfort, especially during extreme outdoor temperatures. Homes without ductwork may require ductless heat pump systems, which provide a flexible and efficient solution. The right type of heat pump for your home will depend on your climate, budget, and personal preferences, but each option offers unique benefits for efficient heating and cooling.

Key Benefits of Heat Pumps in Pittsburgh

Heat pumps provide Pittsburgh homeowners with a range of valuable benefits. One of the most significant advantages is their outstanding energy efficiency, which translates into lower energy costs and long-term energy savings. Because heat pumps can both heat and cool your home, you only need one system to stay comfortable throughout the year. Modern heat pumps are designed to perform efficiently even in colder climates like Pittsburgh, ensuring reliable warmth during the winter months. In addition to their efficiency, heat pumps offer enhanced comfort features, such as quieter operation and more consistent indoor temperatures compared to many traditional HVAC systems. By choosing a heat pump, you can enjoy a more comfortable home environment, reduce your energy consumption, and lower your carbon emissions—all while saving money on your utility bills.

Heat Pump Installation

Installing a new heat pump is a detailed process that requires the expertise of a professional HVAC contractor. The installation process begins with a comprehensive assessment of your home’s existing ductwork and heating and cooling requirements. This evaluation helps determine the best type and size of heat pump for your space, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. If your existing duct system needs repairs or upgrades, these will be addressed before the new heat pump is installed. A skilled HVAC contractor will handle every step of the pump installation, from selecting the right equipment to configuring the system for maximum efficiency. The installation process for a new heat pump is complicated, involving multiple steps to ensure proper operation and long-term reliability. With professional installation, you can be confident that your new heat pump will deliver reliable heating and cooling for years to come.

Pre-Installation Process

Before your new heat pump is installed, a thorough pre-installation process is essential to ensure the best results. This process starts with a careful inspection of your home’s existing ductwork and duct system to identify any areas that may need repair or improvement. The HVAC contractor will also determine the optimal size and type of heat pump for your home, taking into account factors such as insulation, window quality, and the overall layout of your living space. Before the installation team arrives, customers should receive a call or text letting them know they’re on their way. By evaluating these elements, the contractor can recommend the most efficient system for your heating and cooling needs. Proper planning and preparation during the pre-installation process help ensure that your new heat pump operates at peak efficiency, providing reliable comfort and energy savings for your home.

To learn more about the benefits of using a heat pump in Pittsburgh, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have the answers to all your questions. Let us keep you comfortable with greater efficiency than ever before.

Let Us Help You Save Even More

Find More Promos

90 Years of Satisfied Customers

View All Reviews

Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area