Last year, New Jersey joined eight other states agreeing to promote electric heat pumps for heating, cooling. But many customers still assume heat pumps are for our southern friends only. Heating Specialties of Fairton, New Jersey, is here to say that heat pumps are an affordable, energy-efficient heating alternative that can keep you warm in the Garden State. Let’s answer some common questions about heat pumps.
How do heat pumps work?
Heat pumps work by transferring heat between your home and the outside. During the colder winter months, the system will draw heat from the outdoor air and bring it in to make your home feel cozy. In the hot South Jersey summers, a heat pump reverses course, removing heat from the home and sending it outdoors. It’s a little more complicated than this simple explanation—that’s why we recommend calling in the Heating Specialties professionals when you want to learn more about heat pumps.
What are their advantages?
Think about how your furnace works. A furnace must generate energy by burning gas or oil. Heat pumps use electricity to transfer the heat that’s already in and around your home. Many homeowners see substantial savings, up to $500 a year according to the U.S. Department of Energy, compared to gas or oil furnaces. There’s also an environmental advantage, with a lower carbon footprint than what we see with other heating methods.
Heat pumps also do double duty, working as an air conditioner during the summer months. There’s no need to invest in a separate AC unit if you have a heat pump.
OK, but what are the drawbacks of a heat pump?
Heat pumps are great during moderate winters. But when the temperatures fall below the freezing mark, these complex machines may struggle to extract enough heat from the outside air. At that point, the heat pump must switch over to a supplemental heat source, which will cost more than the traditional heat extraction method. Heat pumps also have a higher cost upfront. We recommend keeping an eye on our offers page for special bargains.
Some people are concerned about excess noise from the heat pump’s outdoor unit, but newer models are better and quieter than their predecessors. We do recommend having a backup power source for your home in the event of a power outage, so your heat pump will keep pumping.
Yes, but my brother/coworker/guy on social media says heat pumps don’t work in New Jersey
Heating Specialties has extensive experience with heat pumps, and we believe they can be a reliable alternative to furnaces and other heating sources. Heat pumps used to have a reputation for failing in bitter cold temperatures, but technology has come a long way since then. Homeowners as far north as Juneau, Alaska, have successfully used heat pumps to heat their homes.
It is important, however, to work with a professional heating and cooling company to help you decide which heat pump is best for your home. Heating Specialties can help you explore the five types of heat pumps we currently have available:
- Air-source heat pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Ductless mini-split heat pumps (no ducts are used)
- Absorption (or gas-fired) heat pumps (new technology)
Sounds good! How can I find out more about heat pumps for my South Jersey home?
Heating Specialties is your South Jersey expert for all heating and cooling concerns. With more than 30 years of experience, we’re familiar with the local climate and temperature swings. Call us now at (866) 923-2653 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our online form. Be ready for year-round comfort from a heat pump and Heating Specialties.