Can Dallas Heat Pumps Save Energy and Money?

Can Dallas Heat Pumps Reduce Energy Bills?

Dallas Heat Pumps

Modern forced air Dallas heat pumps provide efficient heating and air conditioning while maintaining a consistent level of comfort throughout the entire home or office. Heat pumps are available in a variety of BTU configurations and efficiency ratings. The Dallas area air conditioning repair crews of Frost Brothers Heating and Air conditioning can hep you fing the one that suites your needs and pocketbook.

A 16 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) heat pump will save about 30% on air conditioning costs when compared to a 10 SEER model installed in your Dallas home in the mid to late 1990’s. An increase in HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) from 6.8 to 7.8 can result in savings up to 20% on the heating portion of the utility bill. Newer units are also quieter, control humidity more effectively, and use a refrigerant that is environmentally friendly.

Comparing Heat Pumps to Air Conditioners

In the refrigeration cycle, the compressor pumps refrigerant into the condensing coil where heat is released. The liquid refrigerant then enters the evaporator coil where a blower pushes colder air through the duct work and into the home.

The essential element that distinguishes a heat pump from an a/c condensing unit is a device called a reversing valve. In essence, heat pumps have the ability to reverse the refrigerant flow and extract heat from the air in winter months to provide both heating and cooling from a single system.

Comparing Dallas Heat Pumps to Furnaces

Gas furnaces and heat pumps share similar operating costs in temperatures above freezing. As ambient outside air becomes colder, heat pumps lose efficiency as the heat transfer process is interrupted.

To address this issue, manufacturers install electric heat strips to provide supplemental or emergency heat. Unfortunately, electric strip heat is inefficient and as a result, gas furnaces are substantially more cost effective at lower temperatures.

Dual Fuel Systems – Sometimes called Hybrid Systems

A dual fuel heat pump system combines the best features of a heat pump and a gas furnace in an integrated package. In summer months, the heat pump functions as a central air conditioner. When the winter season arrives, the heat pump works to heat the home in temperatures down to around 35 degrees where it operates most efficiently. When the temperature falls below that threshold, the furnace engages and begins to provide the heat.

This complimentary system uses cost effective electricity when temperatures are relatively mild. In more extreme temperatures, the efficiency of a gas furnace will save the homeowner substantially as compared to using a supplemental electric heat strip.