If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, you’ve probably heard about heat pumps and might be wondering if they’re a good option for the Texas area.
Our advice? Heat pumps are a great option because they provide Texas homeowners with the following benefits:
- They provide both heating and cooling
- They provide lower heating costs
- They’re more cost-effective to replace
We’ll explain these benefits in more detail so that you can make a more informed decision about your HVAC purchase.
Want a professional to inspect your home and current HVAC system to see how a heat pump would benefit you? Call Reliable Air today. We’ve helped hundreds of Texas homeowners in the San Marcos area make the switch to a high-efficiency heat pump—and we can do the same for you.
Plus, all of our heat pump installations come with free estimates, flexible financing and our famous 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Heat pump benefit #1: They provide both heating and cooling
Because heat pumps are both a heating and cooling system, homeowners only have to worry about maintaining and repairing a single system throughout the year. Plus, they help save space in the home (versus having both an air conditioner and a furnace taking up space).
So how can heat pumps both heat and cool your home? We’ll explain...
In the summer, a heat pump works just like an air conditioner. It cools your home by removing heat and humidity from the indoor air and then dumping that heat into the outdoor air.
In the winter, though, a heat pump can work in reverse to provide hot air. Instead of transferring heat to the outdoors (like in summer), the heat pump will absorb heat from the outside air (yes, there’s still heat in the winter air) and transfer that heat inside your home.
Of course, the colder the outside air gets, the harder your heat pump will have to work to heat your home. But, because Texas has very mild winters, heat pumps can usually get the job done without any issues.
For more information on how heat pumps work, check out our blog, “How Does a Heat Pump Work in Cold Weather?”.
Heat pump benefit #2: They provide lower heating costs
According to Energy.gov, heat pumps use up to 50% less electricity than electric resistance heaters such as furnaces and baseboard heaters.
That’s because heat pumps don’t actually create heat, instead they simply transfer it. As we explained above, heat pumps extract heat from the outside air then move it indoors to heat your home. This allows heat pumps to transfer up to three times more heat than the electricity it consumes.
Electric furnaces and baseboard heaters, on the other hand, actually create heat via electricity—and therefore need to consume a lot more energy to heat your home.
Keep in mind that some homeowners actually pair a heat pump with a gas furnace for even more electricity savings. This heat pump + gas furnace combo is called a “dual fuel” system. The gas furnace works as a “backup” heating source and will jump in to heat your home when the air outside is too cold for the heat pump to work efficiently. Because gas furnaces use very little electricity, this helps you save on electricity usage on cold days while keeping your home comfortable and warm.
Heat pump benefit #3: They’re more cost-effective to replace
When you need to replace a heat pump, you’re simply replacing one system, which makes it less expensive to replace compared to replacing a traditional AC + furnace combo.
Here’s a quick cost breakdown to consider:
- The cost to replace a heat pump varies from $5,000 to $16,000+
- The cost to replace an AC plus a furnace varies from $6,000 to $20,000+
Another factor to consider is that when a traditional HVAC system (AC + furnace combo) needs to be replaced, you’re typically replacing one a little sooner than you really need to. ACs and furnaces age differently but most contractors will suggest replacing them both together (to save on labor costs). However, this typically means you’re replacing one of the systems earlier than you really have to (which could be money you save).
Have more heat pump questions? We have answers.
Reliable Air has served San Marcos homeowners for over 20 years. And, as our name suggests, we’ve been a reliable source of HVAC education and honest advice over that time. If you’re interested in learning more about heat pumps, just let us know. We’re always happy to chat with you about your HVAC replacement options.
Plus, if you’re ready for a free heat pump estimate, we’ll send one of our honest and experienced Comfort Consultants to your home for a thorough in-home inspection and a quote to install a new heat pump. We’ll give you various replacement options, upfront pricing and even help you apply for financing should you need it.
We’ve helped thousands of San Marcos homeowners upgrade to a high-efficiency heat pump and we can do that same for you!