4 Factors to Consider When Buying a Heat Pump

So you are looking to invest in a heat pump. You are not alone––many Americans are making the switch.

Why? For starters, heat pumps are generally more efficient than a traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. What is more, they offer both heating and cooling, so they are versatile. 

At Air Care Heating & Cooling, we want to help you make wise decisions that meet your San Jose home’s needs.

Why? Because we want you to be satisfied with your heat pump for years to come.

How to Choose a Heat Pump for Your California Home

Here are four questions to ask yourself when picking out a new heat pump:

1. How much do I want to spend up front?

Heat pumps offer you more efficiency. Geothermal and water-source heat pumps, in particular, are incredibly efficient since they use a minimal amount of electricity to transfer heat.

While many of the more efficient products have a higher initial cost than a conventional furnace or air conditioner. A good rule of thumb is the more you invest up front, the less you will pay in the long run. It is up to you to decide which heat pump is best for your budget.

2. What type of heat pump do I want?

Air-source, mini split, water-source, and geothermal are a few main types of heat pumps.

Air-source pumps transfer heat from the outdoor air to warm your California home in the winter and expel heat from your home during the summer. This type of heat pump is so efficient, the US Department of Energy (DOE) asserts an “air-source heat pump can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes.”

Mini splits work similarly but without ducts—which is why they are also called ductless units.

Water-source heat pumps draw heat from a pond, lake, or water deposit, while geothermal heat pumps draw from below the surface. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

3. Will I need a dual-fuel system?

Some heat pumps can’t operate as efficiently in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. That is why if you live in a climate with freezing winters, you might need a dual-fuel system.

A dual-fuel system is a heat pump supplemented with a different heating appliance. When temperatures are too low for your heat pump to operate efficiently, your furnace or boiler will kick on.

Talk to one of our Air Care Heating & Cooling HVAC professionals to determine if this is necessary in your case.

4. What type of thermostat should I buy?

In addition to your heat pump, our highly trained and experienced experts can install new heating and cooling controls. Based on your San Jose home needs, you can choose between a standard, programmable, or Wi-Fi thermostat.

Standard thermostats have a simple, familiar interface. They provide you with a Heat or Cool option and On or Auto fan control. Programmable thermostats can be set to automatically lower your home temperature during certain hours of the day when you will not be home.

Wi-Fi thermostats can be controlled remotely using your smartphone or tablet. Depending on the model, your Wi-Fi thermostat may even offer energy-usage analytics so you can easily monitor your consumption.

We Are Your Heat Pump Experts

Our Air Care Heating & Cooling professionals want to help you as you search for a new heat pump here in the San Jose, CA, area. Call us at 408-317-2950 or request service online today to learn more about what we have to offer.