July 30, 2021
Air source heat pump
Use outside air to heat or cool the room.When used to heat a room, this is done by transferring heat from the outside air to the inside.When used to cool a room, this is done by transferring heat from the inside to the outside air.To achieve heat transfer in either direction, air source heat pumps use systems that include heat exchangers, compressors, and devices to transfer heat from one area to another, such as pipes filled with refrigerant.Air source heat pumps are electrically driven, and systems powered by solar panels exist, making them both clean and energy efficient.Cold climate heat pump systems heat and cool your room at a fraction of the cost of oil or propane.Combined with your existing oil or propane heating system, these ultra-efficient and quiet heat pumps can work at temperatures below zero to comfortably and efficiently heat your living and working space.On hot summer days, these devices will reverse and effectively keep your room cool.
Pipeless, mini split system heat pumps (Mini split) are a good retrofit for homes with "non-piped" heating systems such as hydraulic (hot water heating), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane).They are also a good option for room additions that cannot be expanded or installed with distribution plumbing, and for very efficient new homes that require only a small space conditioning system.Be sure to select a unit that meets ENERGY STAR standards and hire an installer familiar with the product and its installation.As with standard air source heat pumps, the Mini split has two main components -- an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handling unit.The pipes that contain power cables, refrigerant pipes, suction pipes, and condensate discharge pipes connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.
Ground source heat pump
Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) use a constant temperature present in the ground or water to transfer heat or cold energy to a room.This is done by underground pipes containing refrigerants that transfer heat, or cold, from the ground to the heating system of the room.
Like any heat pump, geothermal and water source heat pumps can heat, cool, and, if equipped, supply hot water to a home.Some models are equipped with two-speed compressors and variable fans for increased comfort and energy savings.Compared to air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps are quieter, require little maintenance, and are not inefficient due to low climate temperatures, because they depend on the temperature of the outside air.The system life of the internal components is estimated at 25 years, and the system life of the ground loop is estimated at more than 50 years.
