One of the most energy-efficient ways to heat a home or office is with a heat pump. Although all heat pumps work relatively the same way to move heat from one area to another, where this heat is obtained differs between types of heat pumps.
Here are the three types of green heat pumps, the benefits of choosing a heat pump over other types of home heating, and how to get help with your green heating goals.
Types of Green Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps
An air source heat pump, which is sometimes called an air-to-air heat pump, removes heat from the air outdoors and pushes it into your home. The installation process for this type of heat pump is relatively easy and they can be more energy efficient than other types of heat pumps in milder weather.
Its energy savings is impressive; the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that an air source heat pump consumes 50% less energy than other home heating methods.
Water Source Heat Pumps
If your property has a body of water nearby, you may be able to opt for a water source heat pump. This type of green heat pump works by extracting heat from water as it’s pushed through the pump, which is then transferred through special tubing to heat your home.
While a water source heat pump costs less than a geothermal or ground source heat pump, it needs a consistent flow of water to operate. If your water source freezes over, you may need to resort to a backup heating source. However, water source heat pumps do provide more constant, even temperatures than air source heat pumps.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
A ground source heat pump is the most expensive types of heat pumps to install, but they tend to be quieter and more reliable than an air source heat pump. Ground source heat pumps are also called geothermal heat pumps, and the technology removes heat from the ground and transfers it into your home or office.
This is arguably the most energy efficient of all types of green heat pumps, because the ground is usually warmer than both the air and bodies of water in the wintertime. Although geothermal heat pumps are often cost prohibitive, the Department of Energy suggests that the installation of one can save as much as 30 to 60% in energy consumption.
Selecting the Best Heat Pump for Your Needs
With multiple green heat pumps to choose from, you may wonder which is the best one for you. This depends largely on your budget and the type of property you live on. Water source heat pumps are arguably the least common in the Boston metropolitan area, simply because very few, if any, homes have an appropriate water source for this type of heat pump.
The same issue presents itself with a ground source heat pump. Many Boston homes have limited yard space and there’s simply not enough room for the excavation needed to put in a ground source heat pump. However, air source heat pumps can generally be installed anywhere. These are the most common types of heat pumps installed in Massachusetts and provide reliable heating in brutal conditions as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why Choose a Green Heat Pump?
There are many good reasons for choosing to heat your home or office space with a green heat pump. This includes but isn’t limited to:
- Excellent energy efficiency. Under ideal conditions, a heat pump can produce approximately 300% more energy than it uses. By comparison, a furnace only produces 95% more energy than it uses.
- Air conditioning capabilities. Heat pumps can also be used as an air conditioner by simply reversing the heat extraction process. Instead of extracting heat from outdoors and bringing it inside, in the summer, the unit extracts heat from inside and expels it outdoors.
- Improved air quality. Heat pumps are one of the cleanest forms of heating available on the market. Wood and pellet stoves pollute your indoor air, while central HVAC systems push dust and particulates around through the vents in your home. A green heat pump helps you maintain quality indoor air.
- Zoning capabilities. Green heat pumps allow you to set each indoor air handling unit at its own temperature, allowing you complete control over the comfort in various areas of your space.
- Increased lifespan. Green heat pumps generally have more longevity than furnaces and space heaters and can provide your home or office with clean, reliable heating for many decades with proper maintenance.
Get Green Heating in Boston with N.E.T.R., Inc.
If green heating is on your list of goals, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an experienced residential and commercial heating expert in Boston, MA. N.E.T.R., Inc. is a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Elite Contractor and has been providing Boston and its surrounding sister cities with superb HVAC service since 1989.
We specialize in air source heat pump installation and maintenance. Contact us today to learn more about how green heating and heat pump technology can change the way you heat your home or business. Call now by dialing (781) 933-6387.