The Pros and Cons of an Electric Heat Pump in Colorado and Wyoming

People in the market for an HVAC system in Colorado and Wyoming have choices. The most common choice is between gas furnaces and heat pumps. Deciding which one is best for your home depends on your needs and desires.

What is an Electric Heat Pump?

A heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and transfers it into a home or place of business. This transfer of energy produces a steady enough supply of heat to raise indoor temperatures to a comfortable level. Even when temperatures approach freezing, the outdoor air still contains heat, and by working continuously a heat pump can remove it in sufficient quantities to heat enclosed spaces.

Heat pumps don’t just “heat” the air. They can also cool the air just by reversing the heat extraction process.

Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps

If you live in Colorado or Wyoming, there are pros and cons to installing a heat pump that you should consider.

Pros

• Energy-efficiency. A heat pump uses electricity to facilitate the transfer of already-existing heat from one area to another. It uses existing heat and doesn’t have to generate any additional heat.
• Lower installation costs. Indoor furnaces are usually part of a heating and cooling system which main or may not be integrated. A heat pump only requires one installation covering both applications.
• Nearly soundless operation. Heat pumps make very little noise as opposed to forced air systems.
• Humidity. Even in relatively mild winter temperatures, the heat pump produces heated air with a higher moisture content than the dry heat produced by a furnace.
• Safety. While such occurrences are rare, furnaces can produce carbon monoxide, which is not an issue with electric heat pumps.

Cons

• Higher operating costs. Electricity is typically more expensive than natural gas. Despite a heat pump’s energy efficiency, your utility bills may not be lower because of fuel prices.
• Shorter lifespans. On average, heat pump systems wear out more quickly because they run year-round, heating and cooling.
• Poor efficiency in frigid conditions. While heat pumps work in cold weather, their efficiency levels drop once temperatures sink below freezing.

Dual System Heating

In Colorado and Wyoming, a heat pump alone is not always a practical solution in winter. However, you may want to consider a dual heating system that uses a heat pump with a gas furnace as a backup when temperatures plunge below freezing.  With a dual heating system, the heat pump can function as an air conditioner in the summer, giving the homeowner a versatile design that eliminates the need for a separate air conditioner.

Rheem Pro Partner is Turning Up the Heat

If you consider changes in your HVAC system, we can help you make the right choice for yourself and your family. Our product line features an expansive array of great furnaces and heat pumps.

If you contact us today, we can introduce you to an impressive variety of superior quality HVAC equipment. In Colorado and Wyoming, Rheem Pro Partner is your best bet for great products and even better service, and that is why you should come to us to discuss your home heating and cooling options.