Heat pumps offer great efficiency and can be used for both cooling and heating. However, when living in a climate like Florida’s, it’s normal to wonder which unit is right for you. To help you find out whether a heat pump is suited to your Florida home or not, the pros at Acree have prepared a quick guide to answer your burning questions!
First Things First: How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Before we get into the details about whether a heat pump is suited to your Florida home or not, it’s important to know how a heat pump works and what sources it uses. A standard furnace generates heat on its own and uses a fuel source, while a heat pump uses electricity and refrigerant (a coolant known as Freon in general terms). During the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air and blows it indoors by compressing and increasing the temperature of the coolant. While a furnace only heats your home, the heat pump can be used in the summer as well to cool your home.
What Are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?
- It is Versatile
Using a heat pump is versatile—a furnace can only provide heating, but a heat pump can provide both heating during the winter and cooling during the summer!
- No Fuel Necessary
A standard gas furnace uses oil while a heat pump only uses electricity and refrigerant, meaning there is no need to keep a fuel supply at your home.
- Low Carbon Emissions
A heat pump is an environmentally friendly choice and can reduce your carbon footprint. If you decide to use water source heat pumps, which use heat from a water source, you can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 60%!
- Energy Efficient
Because they don’t require a fuel source, heat pumps are fairly energy efficient. According to the Department of Energy, they provide heating or cooling at as little as one quarter of the cost of operating standard heating and cooling systems.
Should You Use a Heat Pump in Florida?
Heat pumps are effective in warmer climates, meaning they would be extremely effective when installed in your Florida home. When running in the place of an AC, they can add to extra benefits by dehumidifying your home. Heat pumps are much better for dehumidification than standard AC units. There are various types of heat pumps that you should keep in mind and choose according to your needs:
- Geothermal—these heat pumps specifically take advantage of the temperature difference in the ground and provide heating and cooling using underground air.
- Water-Sourced Units—these heat pumps need a body of water to heat or cool your home.
- Air to Air—These units use outdoor air to provide heating and cooling for your home.
Have any more questions about whether a heat pump is suited to your Florida home? Call the pros at Acree at (813) 530-9061 or schedule a service online!
