heat pumps! They're such a bonus in a house or condo and cost a pretty penny (like $5,000), so it makes no sense to me when realtors are showing homes to people and don't say a word when it's obvious there's a heat pump sitting out in the yard.
Just odd. Guess they're not getting any sponsorship by heat pump manufacturers or something.
What is a heat pump?
shareIt's an attachment to your furnace that regulates it according to how you set it. (Don't ask me how it works, it confuses me!) Includes an outdoor unit that's unmistakable (round or square, usually gray, fan in the top covered by screening). I keep mine set at 67 degrees 24/7, and it's awesome - I never even know when it's freezing outside! Well, except when the pump/furnace keeps coming on.
Big value in it is that it lowers your utility costs. Again, don't ask me how - it somehow makes your furnace more efficient. BIG plus if your new house or condo already has a heat pump!
Ok thanks but there are no furnaces where I live. I guess that why I didn't know what it was....
shareNo furnaces?? Where do you live, Alaska outland? ;o)
shareI live in Florida. No need for furnaces here. The A/C has a heat function.
shareI live in Alabama and used to live in Tennessee. Never had a furnace either. Just switch the AC to heat and that's all we need here too.
shareSounds like how a heat pump works. If I didn't mention it, it pumps in cool air too, depending on your setting.
shareMaybe it's terminology. I just call it central heat and air. Maybe it's a heat pump there?
shareYeah, who knows. There are different types of heat pumps too; I've recently heard of "ductless" ones, which I don't understand.
sharedegrimstead-1
I don't think you are understanding what a heat pump is. A heat pump is a central air conditioning system (yes they also make small ductless ones for small areas).
When used for heat, its basically an air conditioner (cooler) run in reverse - it takes the heat out of the outside air and uses it to warm the inside air. They are moderately efficient in warmer areas, where the outside air still has some heat in it, but for colder climates, where it gets below 36 degrees or so, they are very inefficient, to the point where they need a back up system, such as heating oil, natural gas, or electric.
Obviously, when used in the summer as a cooler, it takes the heat out of the inside air and releases it outside.
I havent looked, but I'm sure there are better explanations about what they are and how they work on the internet. At least in my area, having a heat pump as the sole means of heat in a house is definitely a negative thing.
In my case, it was added to my furnace, to regulate it; as far as I know they can't be used all by themselves. But I don't have a technical mind so I'll leave it to you as far as the explanations.
share