Combined heating and cooling might be right for your home.
All you need to do is compare the cars, televisions and phones of today against their equivalents from only 15 years ago to appreciate how far consumer technology has advanced in a relatively short period. We’re all getting used to a level of speed and comfort that was unimaginable not so long ago.
You might have heard that some of your neighbors are switching their home’s heating and cooling equipment to electric heat pumps. These all-in-one heating and cooling systems don’t require any ductwork. They’ve been popular in milder climates for quite some time but have been impractical for home heating in Fairfield County and across western Connecticut until recently. (More on that in a moment.)
Technological improvements have made impressive leaps in recent years, which is making it possible for some New England homes to install heat pump splits as their primary HVAC option. Leahy’s Fuels installs heat pump splits, furnaces, boilers and central air conditioners. We can help you evaluate which options are right for you.
How do ductless heat pump split systems work?
Heat pump split setups have an outdoor compressor/condenser and a few indoor air handlers connected by thin pipes that run through your walls. They work by transferring heat between the inside and outside of your home.
In cold weather, a heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air. The system moves the heat with refrigerant into indoor coils in your air handler, where the blower releases the heat into your home.
In the summer, this process runs in reverse. Heat is transferred from inside your home to the outside, which lowers your indoor temperatures and humidity.
What are the pros of a heat pump split?
We often talk to homeowners about these systems if their home contains no ductwork and they’re relying on loud, inefficient window A/C units. Here are some advantages of a heat pump split system:
- There’s no more heavy lifting with those clunky A/C units every season.
- These systems are adaptable. You can heat a couple of rooms or a whole home.
- Enjoy zoned heating and cooling — each indoor unit works independently, so you only heat or cool the rooms you’re using, lowering your energy spending.
- No duct losses here! You don’t need to worry about heated or cooled air escaping from old ductwork.
- Installation is a breeze, usually done in a day—way faster than installing new ductwork.
- With regular maintenance, your heat pump can keep going strong for 20 years or more.
What are the cons of a heat pump?
As mentioned earlier, heat pumps have long been untenable as a primary heating option in our part of the country. The reason is that they sometimes struggle in freezing weather. While heat pump technology has lessened this issue, it hasn’t eliminated it.
What’s the solution? Many folks keep their old heating system as a backup for those extra chilly days.
Come to Leahy’s Fuels for your heating and cooling upgrade.
If your home’s HVAC systems are older than 10-15 years, upgrading to more efficient equipment could lower your annual energy spending by 20% or more. Depending on your current home heating source, budget and house, a heat pump conversion might be a worthwhile investment.
Come to Leahy’s Fuels, and we’ll discuss your HVAC needs and make recommendations to improve your year-round comfort and lower your energy consumption. We can even help you secure financing, equipment rebates and tax incentives to lower your upfront costs.
Reach out to the Leahy’s team today to get a FREE estimate on new HVAC equipment.