Heat Pumps – What are they?

If you are looking for a way to heat your home that is more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and way more comfortable than a conventional gas furnace; You might want to consider a split phase air source heat pump.

What is a split phase air source heat pump?

A split phase air source heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. It consists of two units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit that are connected by a refrigerant line. The indoor unit contains a fan that blows air over a coil that either heats or cools the air depending on the mode. The outdoor unit contains a compressor that pumps the refrigerant between the two units and a coil that either absorbs or releases heat from the outside air. It’s really cool.

If you are interested in learning more about these topics, you can watch some excellent videos on invidious, a privacy-respecting alternative to YouTube. All of these links are from the channel “Technology Connections” on YouTube. He’s great, but, be careful not to trust everything you see on this channel. I have noticed some inaccurate information about hot water tanks in the past. I think the creator did not do enough research and made an honest mistake. For these videos, though, I have not found any errors so far. To watch the videos, you need to click on the links below and choose a hosted instance that has a good connection speed for you.
Heat Pumps: the Future of Home Heating.
Here’s what it will take to start pumping.
Why Heat Pumps are Immensely Important Right Now.
A surprisingly effective feature of mini-split heat pumps.

How does a split phase air source heat pump work?

A split phase air source heat pump works by reversing the flow of refrigerant depending on whether it is in heating or cooling mode. In heating mode, the outdoor unit absorbs heat from the outside air and transfers it to the indoor unit, where it is released into the air that is blown into your home. In cooling mode, the opposite happens: the indoor unit absorbs heat from the inside air and transfers it to the outdoor unit, where it is released into the outside air.

A split phase air source heat pump has an advantage over a single phase heat pump because it can operate at different speeds depending on the heating or cooling demand. This allows it to adjust its output more precisely and efficiently, resulting in lower energy consumption and better comfort.

How and why does this make it better than a gas furnace?

There are several reasons why a split phase air source heat pump is better than a gas furnace for heating your home. Here are some of them:

• Energy efficiency: A split phase air source heat pump can provide up to three times more heat energy than the electric energy it consumes (unsure on the cooling), according to Consumer Reports. This means it uses less electricity and saves you money on your utility bills. A gas furnace, on the other hand, burns natural gas to produce heat, which results in more energy loss and higher gas bills.
• A gas furnace is going to require some kind of ducting, and anyone in ducted houses knows how low the pressure is on the top floor, the dust, the vents, the lower ceiling height, etc.
• A gas furnace is just a furnace. You still need to set up your ac.
• Environmental impact: A split phase air source heat pump does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants when it operates (IF ran on renewable power). Unlike a gas furnace which emits carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and other harmful substances into your breathing air and through a “vent” to outside. A split phase air source heat pump also reduces your dependence on fossil fuels and supports Renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
• Comfort: A split phase air source heat pump provides more even and consistent heating and cooling throughout your home, as it maintains a constant temperature and does not cycle on and off like a gas furnace. A split phase air source heat pump also dehumidifies your home in cooling mode, which improves your indoor air quality and comfort. A gas furnace, on the other hand, can create hot and cold spots, dry out the air, and increase dust and allergens in your home.
• Maintenance: A split phase air source heat pump requires less maintenance than a gas furnace, as it has fewer moving parts and does not need regular fuel supply or combustion checks. A split phase air source heat pump only needs annual cleaning and inspection by a professional technician. A gas furnace, on the other hand, needs more frequent servicing and repairs, as it can develop leaks, cracks, or malfunctions that can compromise its safety and performance, not to mention kill you.

Okay, I’m sold. But how much does this cost?

The upfront installation cost may be higher than that of a gas furnace, depending on the size and configuration of your system. However, in the long run, a split phase air source heat pump will pay for itself through lower operating costs and longer lifespan. According to Baker Electric Home Energy, the average cost of installing a split phase air source heat pump ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, while the average cost of installing a gas furnace ranges from $3,000 to $6,000. However, the annual operating cost of a split phase air source heat pump is about $1,000 less than that of a gas furnace.

It’s important to know that in colder climates they start to not work as well, if at all, and you may need a different or backup source of heating. If you’re off grid and powering a heatpump you could try electric heaters.

Also to note, you may be eligible for rebates or incentives from your local utility company or local/federal government for installing a heat pump in your home. You can check with your provider, as they’ll know more than some guy on the internet.