Blog

Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump for Your Texas Home

Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump for Your Texas Home

Your home is your sanctuary, and no matter what time of the year it is, you want to be comfortable when you are there. Heat pumps can be a great alternative to a traditional air conditioner and furnace installations, especially for Texas homes. However, some homeowners still prefer furnaces.

Understanding the pros and cons of a heat pump is your first step to making the right decision for your home, so here is more information to help you get started!

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Unlike furnaces, heat pumps do not generate heat – and they also don’t utilize gas to work. They are designed to make your home more comfortable by “pumping” or moving heat from one place to another – from the inside of the house to the outside, or vice versa.

A heat pump extracts the heat energy from outdoor air (even in the wintertime). It transfers it to refrigeration coolant to provide heat, which is then compressed to increase temperature and moved throughout the system.

During warmer months, a heat pump in cooling mode works essentially the same as an air conditioner, using refrigerant to remove heat energy from the inside and pumping it outdoors.

Heat Pump Pros

When compared to other systems, heat pumps have several advantages, including:

Produce Warm & Cool Air With One System

One highly beneficial part of installing a heat pump is that it takes the worry out of the maintenance of two different systems. They're also smaller when you look at the size of having a furnace and an air conditioner in your home – with a smaller carbon footprint to boot!

Save More on Your Utility Bills

With a heat pump, the heat produced is transferred from outside air instead of being created with electricity, which means you’ll use less. Heat pumps use three to four times less energy than gas appliances.

Low Maintenance

When comparing heat pumps to other options, they come out ahead because they need minimal maintenance and upkeep. Unlike traditional heating units that may have multiple issues this season, heat pumps are less likely to break down or need extra care.

Reduced Emissions

Some systems run on heating oil, natural gas, and propane which all produce a large number of emissions. Heat pumps, however, don't generate power from electricity and don't burn fuels, making them the more eco-friendly option.

They Are a Safer Option

If you have ever been around an electric heater or furnace, you know that getting too close means potentially getting scalded or burned. Heat pumps, however, have no hot parts, which means you don't have to worry about injury from burns. They also don't produce poisonous gases like oil furnaces and are considered safer.

Heat Pump Cons

Heat pumps do have some disadvantages to consider and the four common ones include:

Extreme Cold Can Cause Problems

Heat pump issues can arise if it's extremely cold, as it makes the pump work harder. That’s why heat pumps are generally recommended in states like Texas with more temperate climates.

If you’re worried about frigid conditions in your area, a heat pump can also be combined with a gas furnace. That way, the furnace works as a backup source in emergency conditions.

Higher Installation Costs

One of the biggest drawbacks to heat pumps is that they are a more expensive option. Typically they will range between $4500 and $9000, and the indoor air handler by itself can be between $3000 and $6000.

There are also installation costs on top of this, typically around half of the price of the appliance. When these figures are combined, you will need between $8000 and $14,000 for a large system installation.

Difficult Installations

The complexity of heat pumps is also a drawback, and if you consider making it a DIY job, you are almost guaranteed not to install it properly without right training. This is because the heat movement needs to be analyzed in the location it is being installed, and you need to understand local geology to help trap the maximum amount of heat during the winter.

Without this information, you may not extract enough heat, and your home will not be warm enough in the cold months.

Longevity

Most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, and that estimate is highly variable, depending on maintenance. Plus, with a furnace and an air conditioner, you have potentially two pieces of equipment to replace – and they each come with a hefty price tag.

Heat pumps offer modest longevity of up to 15 years, though it’s true that A/C units typically last longer. However, the heat pump’s ability to provide more efficient heating and cooling offsets the shorter life expectancy.

Tip: The best way to extend your pump’s longevity is regular maintenance and heat pump repair ASAP when you notice a potential problem.

Smart A/C Services: HVAC Technicians You Can Depend On

Smart A/C Services has served Stafford, Sugarland, and other local communities since 2007, specializing in air conditioning installation and commercial HVAC services. Our experienced technicians take great pride in offering the highest quality customer service on the market, and our five-star reviews let you know you are working with a Texas heating and cooling company you can count on.

Contact us online or give us a call at 832-439-0758 for fast, friendly service!

SEE WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING