Air To Water Heat Pumps

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Table of Contents

The Pros And Cons Of An Air To Water Heat Pump

Mechanical heat pumps work in line with physical laws using condensation and evaporation to transfer heat from the outside walls of your property to inside your home. An air to water pump is an exceptional heating system as it heats and cools air and functions as a water heating system as well. This means fewer appliances that translate into reduced energy costs. You may wonder if this is beneficial or whether it would be better to have separate systems.

An air to water heat pump works by converting outdoor air into the temperature controlled indoor air. An outdoor unit is installed adjacent to the house, and an indoor unit is mounted inside. A condenser/compressor unit regulates the outdoor air pressure to increase or decrease the temperature inside the home.

Pros of Air to Water Heat Pumps

The most apparent benefit we’ve found is that you don’t need a separate water heater as the air heat pump will recycle the trapped heat in the refrigerant to heat the water. Mainly you will get free hot water as your air to water heat pump supplies hot water as a byproduct of its normal function. Heat pumps are energy efficient which saves money on lower energy bills. You will also save money on your operating and utility costs compared to a standard heating and cooling unit plus a water heater.

Cons of Air to Water Heat Pumps

Although air to water heat pumps can help save energy on utilities they do have their limitations. According to Ground Sun, because the heat produced by a heat pump is not as intense as that provided by an oil or gas burning furnace, they tend to be less efficient in a climate where outdoor temperatures regularly fall below zero. This is due to the simple fact that it takes more energy to move heat from an icy area to a hotter area than between two regions with a more moderate difference in temperature. Even though outside air in colder places still contains a certain amount of heat, the unit has to work much harder to extract the available heat. In colder climates, it may be necessary to use supplemental energy to produce adequate heat to keep the inside temperature comfortable during periods when outside temperatures drop below freezing.

During freezing spells, the heating capacity of the air to water heat pump may be compromised to such an extent that there will not be enough energy to heat the water.

Some people who are used to the heat produced by traditional furnaces may be uncomfortable with the lower temperature generated by heat pumps, although they distribute heat more evenly throughout the house.

Having a dual system means that if a breakdown occurs not only will your heating and cooling be affected, but there won’t be any hot water either.

Weighing the above pros and cons can help you decide if an air to water heat pump will be a good option for your heating and cooling requirements.

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John Daner

HVAC Technician with 12+ years experience in the field.