When it comes to heating and cooling your Berks County home, you have multiple options to choose from. One of those options is a heat pump. You may have heard about heat pumps, and are looking to learn more about them. If that is the case, B&L Ott near Reading, PA is here to help answer all of your questions! 

What Is A Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an HVAC system that can both warm and cool your Berks County home. There are three main types of heat pumps. This includes air source, water source, and geothermal. Heat pumps work by collecting heat and transferring it either into your home to warm it or out of your home to cool it. There is always heat present in the air, even if it feels very cold. Therefore, a heat pump can always work. However, it is worth noting that heat pumps are less effective or efficient in extreme temperatures. 

How Is It Different From a Furnace?

A furnace burns fuel to create heat and then distributes it throughout your home. Instead of burning fuel, a heat pump simply collects heat that already exists in the air and transfers it where you need it to go. Also, unlike a furnace, a heat pump can cool your home in the summer. 

How Do I Know If I Have One?

Both a heat pump and a furnace look similar. Therefore, it can be tricky to determine which type of system you have. If you want to determine what you have, try looking at the system to see if it says heat pump. You can also consult your owner’s manual. Another task you can try is turning the heat on at your thermostat, then checking your outdoor unit. If it is running, then you have a heat pump. If you still aren’t sure, call the professionals at B&L Ott for help. 

Are They Efficient?

Similar to furnaces, some heat pumps are more efficient than others. It all depends on what brand, type, and model you choose. Heat pumps are generally more efficient than furnaces, however, it also depends on what backup heating source you choose, if any. 

Do I Need a Back-Up Source of Heat?

You can install a heat pump without adding a back-up heating source. However, in Berks County, we often have harsh winters as well as brutal summers. Therefore, it is recommended that you do add an alternative heat source. If you need help determining if and what to choose, consult a B&L Ott professional. 

What Maintenance Does It Require?

Even though a heat pump does not burn fuel and get dirty as quickly as a furnace, it does require regular maintenance. Regular and proper maintenance is the key to keeping your heat pump running efficiently. Be sure to schedule maintenance with B&L Ott 1-2 times per year. You should also change the filter and clean the area around your unit on a monthly basis. It is also important to read the manual to learn what else you need to do to maintain your particular heat pump. 

Which One Should I Get?

Everyone’s home and family are different. With this in mind, different sizes, brands, and models work best for different situations. You will also want to take SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor) ratings into consideration. SEER measures efficiency during the cooling season and HSPF measures efficiency during the heating season. The best way to make sure you choose the right heat pump model for you is to consult B&L Ott in Reading, PA. 

If I Have A Furnace, Is It Difficult To Switch to a Heat Pump?

If you are considering switching from a furnace and air conditioner to a heat pump, the process is fairly easy in most cases. In general, heat pumps are the same size and can fit in the same area as your current furnace or air conditioner. They can also be connected to your existing air ducts. Just make sure everything is installed properly by choosing the right HVAC contractor. 

How Do I Get Started? 

If you would like to learn more or get started with selecting and installing a new heat pump, contact B&L Ott for a consultation. You can do so here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-927-5133. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you keep your family comfortable all year round.