Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, and the ways people in cold climates have had to come up with heating solutions are proof of this saying. If you reside in an area like Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, you will understand the need for adequate heating, especially on those really cold days.
While heat pumps are one of the most common options for people in such locations, there are several other alternatives. Some of the other alternatives include:
- Furnaces
- Wood/Pellet Stoves
- Boilers
- Propane Heaters
- Solar Systems
- Radiant Floor Heating
- Space Heaters
- Masonry Heaters
- Hybrid Systems
- Geothermal Systems
- Electric Baseboard Heaters
By the way, some of the above-listed are more contemporary and/or sophisticated than others. For more information on several options, you can visit: https://amazingarchitecture.com/.
Be that as it may, an informed decision has to be made when the need to choose a heating solution arises. This is especially true if you live in very cold climates, as earlier pointed out. Against this backdrop, this article intends to discuss whether heating pumps can be considered a viable option. So, read on to find out more.
Basics of Heat Pumps
No heating solution should be opted for without an understanding of what it offers. This calls for knowledge of certain things about it. To this end, below are a few things to know about heat pumps:
How Heat Pump Technology Work
Heat extraction and transfer are the principles behind the operations of heat pumps. This is quite rare when you compare it to several other alternates that have a way of generating heat.
So, the question is where the extracted and transferred heat comes from. Ironically, it is from the cold outdoors. Another intriguing thing is that this HVAC equipment is capable of doing quite the opposite. What this means is that it can also be an indoor cooling solution during summer and hot/warm seasons at large.
Types of Heat Pump Systems
There are two core types of heat pump systems, and one’s choice should be informed by an understanding of what each offer. Having made this clear, the two options are ducted and mini-split ductless:
Ducted
This option requires that a home ductwork already exists, as the name suggests. Furthermore, all parts of the homes are offered heating and/or cooling services as the case may be. It is great for uniform distribution of warm or cool air across the indoor space.
Mini-Split Ductless
This option allows for individualized heating and/or cooling, as the case may be. This means that specific parts of the indoor space can enjoy its operations as opposed to the entire indoor space.
Its installation is also less complex. This is primarily because it is not dependent on the presence of pre-installed ductwork.
Reasons to Consider Heat Pumps for Cold Climates
No heating option should be chosen without knowledge of what would be offered. To this end, some of the benefits of opting for heat pumps include the following:
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency should be a major consideration when choosing. For starters, this is because of the economic impact of opting for inefficient options.
Bearing this in mind, it is worth stating that heat pumps are one of the best when it comes to energy efficiency. For better context, they can offer as much as 300 percent more efficiency than conventional electric resistance heating.
One of the implications is that less electricity is consumed. By the way, this is very important considering that most electricity consumed goes into heating in locations with cold climates. You can click here for more information on this.
Cost-Savings
This should not come as a surprise given the details shared above. Furthermore, it is about the lower operational cost when compared to propane, oil, and electric resistance heating.
Its energy-efficient advantage is also why some government administrations have rebates and incentives in the best interest of those who choose this option. Overall, you get a significant reduction in heating expenses with this option.
Environmental Sustainability
The importance of environmental sustainability is no longer up for debate. This is in light of the adverse impacts already experienced because of how this subject has long been neglected or not paid enough attention.
To this end, everyone needs to come on board in the spirit of ensuring environmental sustainability, which is why heating solutions that reduce carbon footprints should be opted for. Thankfully, heat pumps happen to be a great option in this regard. This is largely because of its significantly reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Versatility
On one hand, consumers who want comprehensive coverage with heating and/or cooling will find this option helpful. On the other hand, those who want something that offers zone-tailored heating and/or cooling will also find it a great option.
It largely depends on the kind opted for. Those who want comprehensive indoor heating and/or cooling should opt for the ducted option. Those who want zone-tailored heating and/or cooling should opt for the mini-split ductless option.
Challenges of Heat Pumps in Cold Climates
This article would be very one-sided if all it did was talk about the benefits without addressing possible challenges. To this end, some of the challenges include:
Initial Investment
It has a higher upfront cost when compared to several other alternatives. This is especially true when compared to traditional/conventional options. However, it is worth stressing that there are long-term saving benefits that offset the seemingly upfront cost in question.
Performance in Extreme Cold
Supplementary heating may be required for extremely cold temperatures. This is something that has to be properly figured out with professionals.
Installation Issues
For starters, things can go wrong if the right heat pump size is not installed. Furthermore, even the right-sized heat pump needs to be professionally installed for optimal efficiency.
By the way, most of the other issues can be resolved with the services of a qualified HVAC team. You can see Halifax company for more information on this. By the way, the right HVAC team is one with expertise and experience handling the purchase, installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of both duct and mini-split ductless heat pumps.
Conclusion
Heating is a big deal, especially in cold climates, which is why informed decisions should be made when it comes to choosing from several heating systems. It is on this note that heat pumps have been explored in this article.
The fact remains that they are one of the best for cold climates. However, certain measures have to be taken. One such is having a good HVAC team on your side. This is for their various relevant services, including consultancy and advisory services.
For example, they can help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing between duct and mini-split ductless heat pumps. So, ensure that you have the very best on your side.
Do you know someone who might enjoy this article or would find it useful? Share it!
