Pay less and still be comfortable
What is an Air Source Heat Pump?
Despite its name, an air source heat pump is designed to provide summer cooling along with winter heating. An air source heat pump replaces the central air conditioning equipment with a single heating-cooling system, providing year-round comfort with a major savings on monthly energy bills.
How an Air Source Heat Pump works
· An air source heat pump works by transferring heat from one place to another.
· During the summer, an air source heat pump operates like a standard air conditioner, collecting heat from the air inside your house and expelling it outside.
· In the winter this process is reversed, with the air source heat pump collecting heat from the outside air and transferring it inside your home to warm the air inside your house.
· This is accomplished through the refrigeration cycle during the summer and winter seasons, utilizing a refrigerant, which is colder than the existing air, even cold winter air.
· During the coldest winter weather a backup furnace is needed. This can be electric or fossil fuel.
Savings and advantages of an Air Source Heat Pump
· Air source heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate heat. This allows them to be two times more efficient than furnaces that operate on other fuels. A heat pump can generate up to three times more heat for each unit of energy consumed. Fossil fuel heating systems use more energy than heat produced.
· Air source heat pumps do not require a flue, eliminating the need for a roof vent.
· No carbon monoxide is produced since there is not a burning of another form of energy to produce the heat.
· Provides summer cooling and winter heating.
· Ideal replacement for an existing central air conditioner
· In Nebraska, energy costs to heat and cool a home with an air source heat pump are generally 25-30% lower than conventional heating and cooling systems.
Back up heat options
· In our climate a back-up heat source is needed for the cold days during the winter months.
· An electric resistance furnace is most commonly used with an air source heat pump system. At 100% efficient, this type of furnace is the best efficiency option.
· If you have an existing forced air furnace, whether it is natural gas or propane, that system can be used with your new heat pump. These are called dual fuel heat pumps systems.
Air Source Heat Pump Ratings
· The heating efficiency of an air source heat pump is measured as the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) and typically ranges from 8 to 10, with the higher rating being more efficient to operate.
· The cooling efficiency is measured as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). This rating is usually between 13 and 19 and the more efficient units will have a higher number.
· Check your electrical service to make sure it is large enough for electric heat. You may need to upgrade your service.
Why do I need an Air Source Heat Pump?
· You can save 25-30% on energy costs over conventional forced air furnaces.
· An air source heat pump operates on clean, efficient and safe electricity. There are no flames or fumes to deal with.
· You have a heating and cooling system in one unit.
· You may qualify for the Total Electric Rate from Twin Valleys Public Power District, providing you even more savings.
· Rebates from Twin Valleys Public Power District are also available.
