Air Source Heat Pump
If you are thinking about upgrading your current heating system and would like to have whole house air conditioning for the dog days of summer, consider installing an air source heat pump in your home. Heat pumps have come a long way since their introduction. The efficiency and performance of today's air-source heat pumps is one-and-a-half to two times greater than those available 30 years ago.
A heat pump’s efficiency comes from the fact that it does not create heat, but instead moves heat from one place to another.
• In cooling mode, an air-source heat pump evaporates a refrigerant in the indoor coil; as the liquid evaporates it pulls heat from the air in the house. After the gas is compressed, it passes into the outdoor coil and condenses, releasing heat to the outside air.
• In heating mode, an air-source heat pump evaporates a refrigerant in the outdoor coil; as the liquid evaporates it pulls heat from the outside air. After the gas is compressed, it passes into the indoor coil and condenses, releasing heat to the inside of the house.
Air source heat pumps have traditionally been reserved for moderate to warm climates however recent technological advances have made them better adapted for Montana’s climate, extending their performance to well below 0°F.
Even the best heat pump will require some form of back-up to cope with Montana’s winters. One solution is to install electric resistance heat strips (which resemble the coils in your toaster) in the heat pump unit itself. Alternatively, a heat pump may be added to an existing electric, gas or propane furnace, making the existing system a back-up for the heat pump.
If you think a heat pump might be right for your home, call a member of our Energy Sense team to find out how you can qualify to receive an incentive for installing a new heat pump in your home. Keep in mind, a Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) certified technician will have to install your heat pump. For a list of PTCS certified installers click here.