How do air source electric heat pumps work? Are they considered superior or inferior to other pump technologies like geothermal heat pumps and dual-fuel heat pumps? First understand how this device works. Air source electric heat pumps are primarily electricity-based pumps that use the outside air as a heat source. They have the ability to reverse their system and provide air conditioning just as well as heating. This ability, along with their relative ease of operation, has made this system the most popular type on the market.
The advantage of this pump type of technology (beyond easy use) is that it is less expensive to maintain. While the startup cost may be comparable to other systems, in the long run, this system helps the consumer to keep the electricity cost down. Are there disadvantages to using air source electric pumps?
For the most part, these pumps are used in geographic locations where there are relatively stable and moderate temperatures. These pumps do not work at their best in areas where there are extremely low temperatures for a long period of time. They are ideal for locations that have occasionally cold days but a stable season of winter. Because these pumps are powered by the outside air, extremely low temperatures can compromise the efficiency of the pump. Whereas a COP rate could reach a four in mildly cool winters, in below freezing temperatures, the COP may only reach two and a half. In fact, many people who rely on this system actually use a backup system for those cold and windy days.
Manufacturers of air source electric heat pumps include Aire-Flow, Amana, Carrier Infinity, Friechrich, Goodman, Rheem and Ruud. How do all of these products compare to one another? The Amana ASZ18 has louvered sound control for quiet performance along with 18 SEER and 9.50 HSPF. Meanwhile the Goodman SSZ16 Heat Pump has a 16 SEER and 9.50 HSPF, slightly less than the Amana.
What really matters though is the size of the unit and the technology that is being used. Air source electric pumps are ideal for people with minimal heating needs and who want to experience the cost-efficient benefits that go with low electricity usage.
Just remember the basic principle: air source extracts heat from the outside air. There are also pumps in this vein of technology that can transfer heat to a tank of water or transfer the heat to inside air. This may be a system for you under certain circumstances.
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