Heat Pumps: Alternative Home Heating Solutions

Why Choose Heat Pumps
With ever-rising fuel costs even the most basic home heating systems can turn to be an expensive proposition. Electric heating appliances are the most commonly used because these are invariably easy to install and maintain. From portable heaters and home furnace systems the options available to the home owner are many. Yet, as with most heating and cooling solutions, fuel efficiency can play a key role in deciding the right system for your home. This makes multifunctional heating systems an ideal pick since they take care of both the heating and cooling needs of the home.

Doubling as an air conditioning unit, heat pumps are based on the phenomenon of heat exchange. In essence, these multipurpose heating systems shuffle the air to help condition the room temperature to a warm ambiance in winters, while also cooling the air during warm weather. Working on the principles of uniform heating, exchangers are uniquely designed heating equipment that extract the warmth from a range of sources such as the air surrounding the home or ground water. When temperature differences are not significant enough, the air may be heated prior to circulating within the home interior so that the desired warmth is maintained.

How Supplemental Heating Helps
In many cases, home owners opt for zonal heating as a way to minimize heating costs while still ensuring a pleasant ambience at home. In addition, using alternate approaches to heating can conserve fuel without cutting down on comfort. Supplementing the primary heating source can be beneficial since it helps maintain maximal warmth in specific areas, while still keeping power bills minimal.

Heat pumps may not always the sole heating system used at home, and are usually used in conjunction with central heating. Heat pumps are typically designed with an air filtering system much like the ones used in home furnaces. The thermostat and temperature controls are also usually similar, and most units come with in-built controls for home air conditioning. Additional ducts and vents may be necessary depending on the home structure and the insulation levels expected.

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
Regardless of the exact heating choices you make, maintenance is crucial to making the most of the equipment installed. Clear and unclogged air filters offer better fuel efficiency and temperature control, in addition to keeping the circulating air fresh and healthy. In addition, keeping homes well insulated and choosing equipment that are Energy Star certified or are designed to save power will help reduce costs in the long run.

There is little doubt that alternative heating choices are the way to go green minus heavy up-front investments. Heat pumps can therefore serve as a practical approach to supplementing your existing heating without forsaking comfort or convenience.