What Is a Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump on the side of a home being installed in the North East of England.

What’s the best way to preserve resources? Working with what you already have. Heat pumps make your Albany home more comfortable by using heat that already exists. It pushes heat from outdoors to indoors (to warm) or pulls heat from indoors to outdoors (to cool). 

It stands apart from a gas furnace or boiler, which both use combustion to generate heat. As a result, heat pumps are much more efficient, using up to 50 percent less energy than furnaces or baseboard heaters, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE).

Heat pumps provide heating and cooling capabilities—there’s no need to supplement your heat pump with an air conditioner. That means you only have one system to worry about for repairs and maintenance costs. 

Ridgeline Heating and Cooling is pleased to bring the finest heat pump installation options to New York residents. Here’s what you should know about heat pumps: 

Air Source Heat Pumps and How They Work

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are the most common and popular option. They harness heat energy in the air, transferring it from the outdoors to indoors on a cold day—or removing the heat from your home on a warm day. ASHPs have a compressor, an indoor coil, and an outdoor coil. The coils pump refrigerant, a substance that can absorb heat and release it. The indoor coil is also called a heat exchanger. It sends heat to your air ducts, and can even heat your water heater. 

Older or lower-end heat pumps don’t fare as well in subfreezing temperatures. However, you can pair them with a furnace programmed to kick on when the temperature dips below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This combination, known as a dual-fuel system, lets you enjoy the heat pump’s efficiency benefits without the risk of losing heat. Additionally, newer and more advanced heat pumps are hitting the market that can handle cold winters.  

Heat Pump Maintenance and Upkeep

The DOE recommends an annual maintenance visit to keep your heat pump system is operating at its best. One of our Ridgeline Heating and Cooling specialists will check for leaky ductwork, which can lead to energy loss. They will also inspect refrigerant levels. Refrigerant leaks can harm your indoor air quality (IAQ) and impair the functionality of your heat pump.

Schedule Service With Your Ridgeline Heating and Cooling Expert Today!

We’re pleased to offer our unmatched ductless heat pump expertise to our neighbors in Albany, New York. For reliable, efficient, and friendly home service, call Ridgeline Heating and Cooling at 518-694-6967 today, or set up your visit online.

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Ridgeline Heating and Cooling.

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