Is the concept of using a home heat pump completely unfamiliar to you? Have you heard some common myths about heat pumps? You may have heard about many people upgrading to heat pumps when going “green.” However, you may be wondering if heat pumps can be used at homes in Delaware. You may also be wondering if a heat pump can provide the efficiency and reliable performance you need in the local climate. If you live in Delaware, it’s important to only focus on home heating options that allow you to:

• Power both your heating and cooling needs on one system.
• Get through freezing temperatures without a backup.
• Control the temperature in your home easily.
• Reduce your home’s carbon emissions compared to what you’re currently using.

Do heat pumps fulfill these requirements? Becoming an expert on heat pumps starts with knowing how to spot common myths about heat pumps. Yes, much of what people think they know about heat pumps is actually untrue. Luckily, your friendly neighborhood HVAC repair experts are always available to help you separate fact from fiction. Here’s a look at five common myths about heat pumps that keep homeowners from getting optimal efficiency, comfort, and cost savings.

A Primer on Heat Pumps: What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is one aspect of a heating and cooling system. Heat pumps are designed to be installed right next to your home. Unlike heating methods that rely on older technologies, heat pumps are powered by electricity. They transfer heat using refrigerant instead of relying on the burning of fossil fuels the way that traditional furnaces do. As a result, a heat pump is considered a very environmentally friendly option.

“When properly installed, an air-source heat pump can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes,” according to experts. This is possible because heat pumps transfer heat instead of going through the process of converting heat from fuel using combustion. Heat pumps have been used all across the United States for many years. What’s more, research shows that units installed in the country’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions lead to an annual savings of 6,200 kWh ($948) when compared to oil systems. Notable savings totaling between $300 and $600 per year were also observed when homeowners in these regions switched from other heat sources to heat pumps.

1. Heat Pumps Can’t Work in Cold Weather

There’s a common myth that heat pumps are useless in cold weather. However, a properly designed heat pump should be able to serve your needs without the need for a backup option. Many heat pumps can even work in conditions below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. What’s more, heat pumps can actually be extremely efficient in colder weather. The way that heat pumps take heat from underground areas with consistent temperatures means that heat pumps actually excel at producing a consistent efficiency rate throughout the year in all weather conditions.

In addition, many homeowners are upgrading to heat pumps to make their older homes more efficient. This point actually piggybacks on another common myth. Yes, you can actually add heat pumps to existing homes and buildings. Many people wrongly assume that heat pumps are only suitable for new constructions. This is partly due to the fact that heat pumps are becoming so popular among people building new homes. In reality, heat pumps are commonly fitted into old homes, historic buildings, and many other structures with help from trained HVAC installers. It may be necessary to conduct a site review on some properties before installing a pump to ensure that the right insulation conditions are present.

2. You Can Only Have a Heat Pump If Your Home Has Underfloor Heating

Here’s another big myth that keeps many people from ever considering heat pumps. Many people incorrectly believe that you’re prohibited from having a heat pump unless you have an underfloor heating system. In reality, it is often perfectly fine to use a heat pump in conjunction with radiators. However, it is true that heat pumps are simply much more efficient when they are paired with underfloor systems than compared to other types of systems. One tip for maximizing the efficiency of a heat pump when using it in conjunction with radiators is to use the largest radiator size possible.

3. Heat Pumps Don’t Work With Air Conditioning

Many people assume that heat pumps only provide heat by default. This isn’t the case at all. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling functions. You may already know that heat pumps draw heat in from the outdoor air to bring it inside to heat a home during the winter. What you may not know is that the reverse mechanism is used to cool a home in the summer. During cooling seasons, heat pumps pull heat out from the air in a home to relocate it outside.

4. Heat Pumps Make Tons of Noise

This myth isn’t without some merit. Yes, heat pumps do make some noise. However, the noise level on the average heat pump only reaches somewhere around 40 decibels. This is far from disruptive. It’s true that a heat pump may become noisier than usual on colder days when your home’s heating system needs to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Most people who have heat pumps in their homes would say that noise is not a factor at all.

5. Heat Pumps Are Huge

Heat pumps definitely fit many different components into a single system. While this does make them sizable, the truth is that the average heat pump is far from huge. Heat pumps take up much less space than one would imagine when looking at all of the different loops, compressors, and pipes that make up a pump simply because most of the parts are hidden. In fact, many of the key parts of a heat pump are concealed underground. When configured near a house, the network of a heat pump truly doesn’t take up much more space than any other network used for a conventional heating system. A completely underground heating system will take up essentially no visible space.

6. All Heat Pumps Are the Same

This myth proves that it really pays to talk to the right HVAC professionals before making a decision on a new heat pump for your home in Newark, Delaware. The good news is that just about any modern heat pump you install is going to have a positive impact on your home’s carbon emissions when compared to something like a gas boiler. However, performance can vary based on pump quality. This will ultimately influence your home’s comfort level. The best way to ensure that you’re choosing the right heat pump for your home is to have your home assessed by a certified Delaware heat pump installer.

Can You Use a Heat Pump for a Home in Delaware?

Absolutely! However, choosing a heat pump based specifically on the local climate here in Newark, Delaware is essential for making the right decision. A properly installed heat pump that has been carefully selected for your home can help you to:

• Save on energy costs.
• Reduce your home’s carbon emissions.
• Create cleaner indoor air.
• Create comfortable, even temperatures throughout your home.

Are you ready to learn more about switching to a heat pump in Newark, Delaware? It’s the perfect time to contact Delaware Heating & Air Conditioning Service. Our team of certified HVAC professionals can help you find the best solution for your home. If you’re looking for heat pump maintenance and repair services in Newark, Delaware for your existing pump, we can also help with that. Call today!