Here in the greater Phoenix area, there are not that many cold days or evenings when you need to crank up the heat in your home. Because of our mild winters, heat pumps are often the preferred choice when it comes to home heating. Still, it’s important to know your options when it comes to heating so you can choose the best option for your specific needs.

What Exactly Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is actually an air conditioner that has a reversing valve, enabling it to run in reverse to heat your house instead of cooling it. This is much different than a furnace which is a separate piece of equipment in your HVAC system.

Increased Energy Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of a heat pump is energy efficiency. A heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat from one area to another which is inherently more efficient than generating heat itself. It also doesn’t require any fuel source to heat your home. However, energy efficiency doesn’t always mean more cost efficiency. Because heat pumps run on electricity instead of fuel, they can be more expensive to operate. Often, furnaces are chosen for homes when there is access to natural gas while heat pumps are the right choice when there is only electricity available to heat a home.

Heat pumps work optimally when temperatures remain above freezing. Thus, they’re not a good idea for northern and high elevation parts of Arizona where temperatures frequently dip into the low 30s and below. However, here in the valley, a heat pump is sufficiently efficient to keep everyone warm and toasty during even the coldest evening. And, because they combine heating and cooling into one system, you save on space and installation costs.

Before making any decision to switch to a heat pump or to a furnace, it’s important to consult with an HVAC specialist. At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we can help you determine the right option for you and your home. Call us today for a free consultation at 480-968-5652.