Types of Heat Pumps Available for Your Home

Heat pumps are an efficient and versatile type of HVAC system. They fulfill the roles of both heating and cooling, making them an alternative to the traditional furnace/AC system. This dual functionality is also coupled with higher energy efficiency.

Instead of consuming energy to heat or cool air, heat pumps simply extract hot or cold air from one area and move it into another. There are three different types of heat pumps available for your home: air source, ground source, and water source. Iceberg Heating & Cooling would like to go over these types below. Use our guide to help find the right one for your Monroe home.

Air Source

Air source heat pumps are the most common type available for your home. They extract outdoor air, which is then conditioned using the heat pump’s built-in refrigerant system. Once the air has been conditioned, the heat pump then distributes it to your home.

Since its also pulling temperature from the atmosphere, air source heat pumps are best used in areas with moderate climates. Temperatures below freezing result in less warm air for a heat pump to extract, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, if you live in a colder climate, it’s recommended to equip your air source heat pump with extra electric resistance coils to help ensure adequate performance.

Compared to the other heat pumps, air source heat pumps generally are the cheapest to purchase and install. However, they are the least energy efficient and can be less effective in colder climates.

Ground Source (Geothermal)

Instead of pulling temperature from the atmosphere, ground source heat pumps go directly to the earth itself. Known as a type of geothermal heat pump, ground source heat pumps extract temperature from the earth through a tool called a ground heat exchanger.

With the earth having a more constant temperature below its surface, ground source heat pumps are more effective at extracting temperature year-round. This means regardless of the temperature outside, the ground source heat pump will generally operate the same.

Reliance on the ground instead of air for temperature also makes the ground source heat pump more energy efficient than an air source. However, the ground source heat pump costs more to purchase and install.

Water Source (Geothermal)

Being another geothermal variant, water source heat pumps utilize a body of water to extract temperature.

These types of heat pumps are beneficial if you live close to a stream, river, or pond, as they can use the water source for conditioning air. Much like the ground, water is also better at retaining a constant temperature compared to air. But you must be sure the water source heat pump complies with local regulations, as not all bodies of water may allow a heat pump to be installed.

Water source heat pumps can be the most energy efficient type of heat pump, provided you live nearby an appropriate water source. Unfortunately, they are also expensive to purchase and install.

Know the types of heat pumps to help find the best one for your Monroe home! And contact Iceberg Heating & Cooling for professional heat pump services to install one in your home. Give us a call at 734-342-3420 to schedule an appointment and get started.