Heat pumps are a device that can perform both heat and cool functions by extracting heat from another source and converting it into heat energy. They can prove to be an absolute alternative to your traditional air conditioners or heating systems. Heat pumps are now proving to be the most efficient systems as compared to traditional electrical, oil, or fuel systems.
Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps
If you are planning to invest in a heat pump in near future then it is important for you to understand different pros and cons of a heat pump. Heat pump can prove to be a great investment for you in the long run. Following are given the pros and cons of heat pumps to make you understand that how beneficial the heat pumps can e for your home or building.
Advantages of Heat Pumps
- Better in Saving Energy
First advantage of heat pumps is that they are more energy efficient than the traditional heating or cooling systems that use oil, electricity or fossil fuels to operate. Heat pumps simply take heat from a nearby source for example air or water, and covert that heat into energy to operate the equipment. That is why a heat pump consumes much less energy as compared to traditional heating or cooling equipments. As they save more energy therefore they have low operating costs and directly impact your utility bills in a positive way.
- Low Maintenance Cost
Heat pumps have low maintenance cost as compared to traditional heating or cooling systems. You only need to check your heat pumps once a year. This is a general type of inspection that does not require a professional. You can do this inspection yourself. However, professional inspection of your heat pumps id recommended every 3-5 years.
- Carbon Emission Reduction
Heat pumps reduce carbon emissions as they do not urn fuels or oil to convert heat into energy. Rather they simply use water or air to produce heat energy. Therefore, they prove to be less harmful to the environment as well. Heat pumps are also more efficient as compared to other traditional systems.
- Extensive Life Time
Heat pumps have a general life span of nearly 15 to 20 years. Not only do they provide you with a lifelong service but their service is also secure and consistent.
- Reduces the Need for Ducts
Traditional air conditioners require ducts for wiring. This makes the installation a bit difficult. Whereas in the case of heat pumps no ducts are required. Ductless heat pumps are also known as mini-splits. They also perform much better than traditional air conditioners.
Disadvantages of Heat Pumps
- Added Upfront Expenditure
The first-time installation cost of a heat pump is far more than the traditional air conditioner or heating system. This is understandable because you are installing a system that will provide you with both a heating and cooling facilities. That is why it is more expensive than the traditional systems.
- Performance Issues in Extreme Weather
Another drawback of a heat pump is that it cannot perform better in extreme cold weather conditions. With the dropping temperature, the efficiency of your heat pump also drops down. For example, an air sourced heat pump that takes heat from the air and converts it into energy. In extremely cold weather, this type of heat pump will stop working.
- Difficult Installation Procedure
The installation procedure of a heat pump is tricky, difficult, and requires much more effort than the traditional systems. For example, to install a ground source heat pump, groundwork is required. This will not only make the installation difficult but will also add more cost to the whole process of installation.
- Permission Requirements
Special permissions are required to place a heat pump just like the one descried in the previous point. Ground source heat pumps require lots of ground work including excavating of the ground. That is why according to your local property laws; you have to take specific permissions before installing the system.
- Other Requirements
Sometimes heat pumps also require some other upgrades as well. For example, often times a heat pump requires a hot storage tank or large size radiators for the heat pumps to work properly. This actually means a significant increase in your total upfront cost.
Conclusion
Heat pumps are proving beneficial with every passing day as they propose more energy efficient solutions for your home and building. They help to decrease your utility bills as well. But still there are also some disadvantages that cannot be overlooked while choosing a heat pump. There are different types of boilers but you must choose what suits you the best. Now that you are totally aware of all the pros and cons that the heat pumps can offer you. Now you are able to make a more informed decision.
