Heat Pumps

Using electricity as its energy source, heat pumps are used for either the heating or cooling of your home by transferring heat between two reservoirs. In the warmer months, the heat pump acts as an air conditioner, removing heat from the air in your home and transferring it outside. During colder months, latent heat from the outdoor air is extracted and transferred into the interior of your home. Believe it or not, even a 32 degree Fahrenheit day produces enough heat to warm a home via a heat pump.

A central heat pump system helps maintain comfortable temperatures inside your home and reduces humidity levels year-round.

Homes located in regions with severely cold temperatures may require supplemental heating via a gas furnace or electric air handler.

Mini-split heat pump systems provide heating and air conditioning without requiring ductwork. They belong to the family of air-source heat pumps, and work like a refrigerator in reverse. In typical mini-split heat pumps the refrigerant is produced at the outdoor unit and driven via small-diameter insulated refrigerant lines directly to the rooms or parts of the house, where the air is blown by fans located in small indoor units.

Because they do not rely on ductwork, mini-split heat pumps can boost energy efficiency (energy losses in conventional systems based on ducts are often estimated at 30%, especially if the ducts are in non-insulated spaces like typical attics). Besides, the possibility of restricting the heating or the cooling to a specific part of the house means that the operational costs can be reduced with a proper use and a careful design.

Mini-split heat pumps provide high flexibility in interior design options – there are floor-standing, ceiling-suspending, and wall-hanging models. They are also easy to install and do not require large holes in the walls – a three-inch hole is often sufficient.

Like other air-source heat-pumps, mini-split heat pumps aren't efficient enough on heating mode in freezing climates, for negative temperatures. Besides, if the ductwork already exists, installing a mini-split heat pump will demand a higher investment than installing an alternative central air conditioning.

If you live near the ocean, you may have noticed that your heat pump (or your neighbor’s) is a rusty mess. This corrosion is caused by the salty air. Neither rain nor hail or seacoast corrosion can keep a coastal-rated heat pump from doing its job – they’re built tough inside and out. A specially formulated epoxy is permanently bonded to the coil surfaces. This helps prevent the destructive galvanic corrosion that is common in coastal areas. A galvanized steel cabinet with a baked on paint finish protects against corrosion and keeps the system looking its best for years. We can tell you if you need the special protection a coastal-rated heat pump provides.