The first heat pump was invented in 1948, when a homeowner decided to reuse the hot water from the operation of a deep cold freezer.
- Within a year, the homeowner replaced his coal furnace with his heating innovation.
However, heat pumps would become popular until the 1970s. They gained attention during the oil crisis because the system runs strictly on electricity. Heat pumps don’t burn fossil fuels to generate heat. Instead, the operation takes advantage of ambient heat found in outdoor air even during colder weather. This heat is pulled out of the air, compressed to a warmer temperature and delivered into the house. Heat pumps avoid concerns with greenhouse gasses and combustion byproducts. They don’t produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde or fumes of any kind. The operation doesn’t cause issues with overly dry air. During the warmer season, the heat pump literally reverses the flow of refrigerant. The system acts much like a refrigerator in that it removes heat from the indoor environment and transfers it outdoors by way of refrigerant. Electric heat pumps are far more energy efficient than gas furnaces or conventional air conditioners. While they cost more to purchase and install, the savings on running costs quickly helps to recover the investment. Plus, the single unit fulfills two jobs. The heat pump handles both heating and cooling, supplying a year round solution. These innovations are especially safe, clean and quiet. They are wonderfully environmentally friendly. Modern heat pumps feature something called adaptable-speed technology that allows an automatic adjustment of output anywhere from forty to one hundred percent capacity. By supplying only the precise amount of heating or cooling necessary to maintain consistent indoor temperature, the heat pump minimizes energy consumption.