ANSWER: Yes. Heat pumps are three times more efficient than an electric furnace. They are the best choice for heating in south Mississippi.
How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump works to constantly move warm air from one place to another, to where it’s needed or not needed, depending on the season. Even in air that’s seems too cold, heat energy is present. When it’s cold outside a heat pump extracts this outside heat and transfers it inside. When it’s warm outside, it reverses direction, removing heat from your home.
One advantage of a heat pump is that it moves heat instead of generating heat, giving you more energy efficiency.
What happens in extreme low temperatures?
The efficiencies of the residential, air source heat pump is lowered in extreme cold temperatures. Luckily, we do not experience extremely low temperatures very often in south Mississippi. This allows the member to reap the energy savings benefits of the heat pump most of the time, except in these rare, extreme cold temperatures.
The recommended thermostat setting in the winter months for a heat pump is 68 degrees.
Why is it important to have my heat pump serviced annually?
You should have a technician service your heat pump annually. A certified technician can identify problems, like improper wiring or mechanical issues, that can cause the unit to use more energy, increasing your power bill.
How do I keep my heat pump running efficiently?
- Dirty filters and fans reduce airflow, which will decrease system performance and possibly damage the compressor.
- Clean or change filters once a month or as needed.
- Occasionally, turn off power to the fan and clean it; remove vegetation and clutter from around the outdoor unit.
- Clean outdoor coils whenever they appear dirty.
- Clean the supply and return registers within your home and straighten their fins if bent.