Heat Pumps

How To Choose The Best Heat Pumps

If you've never owned heat pumps or you know nothing about them, you're in for a shock. Not every heat pump is the same – in fact, far from it. So if you're looking for heat pumps that are energy efficient and provide excellent temperature control, here's what you have to look for.

How Are They Powered?

There are three different types of heat pumps – Geothermal, Air Source Electric and Dual-Fuel. The basic difference between the three is in how they're powered.

Air Source Electric Heat Pumps

Air Source Electric heat pumps extract heat from the air. Although they're powered electrically, they are still a lot cheaper to run and maintain than gas powered heat pumps. Also, Air Source Electric heat pumps are less dangerous and a lot easier to use. This is generally what makes them popular.

But that's not to say Air Source Electric heat pumps are the best. That's because they have two major disadvantages: 1) They're noisy and 2) They're not as heat efficient in colder temperatures. 

Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps

Similar to Air Source Electric, Dual-Fuel heat pumps are powered electrically but they also have a back-up fuel system. The basic advantage here is that it's more economical than running electric heat pumps. Again, while it sounds great in theory, these heat pumps still have the same disadvantages as Air Source Electric ones.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Finally, we have Geothermal heat pumps. These systems don't use non-renewable fuels like electricity or gas. Instead, they extract heat from the earth. Although much more expensive to buy upfront, they are definitely more cost effective in the long-run. And although these systems are nowhere near as popular as Air Source Electric or Dual-Fuel, they are much more efficient at heating your home. So it all depends on your budget and your eco conscience. But if you want to save money in the long run and help the environment, these are the way to go.