I think one of the most beneficial and amazing temperature control innovations is the electric heat pump.
- A single unit provides both heating and cooling capacity.
During the summer months, an electric heat pump functions very much like central air conditioning. The system works by pulling heat out of the home and transferring it outdoors to create a cooling effect. The main advantage of an electric heat pump is its ability to literally reverse the flow of refrigerant. Even during the cold weather months, there is ambient heat available in the outdoor air. The heat pump draws in this heat energy, compresses it to a higher temperature and delivers it indoors. The process eliminates the burning of fossil fuels. It creates no dangerous fumes, hot surfaces or greenhouse gasses. There are none of the concerns with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide or formaldehyde associated with natural gas furnaces. This makes a heat pump wonderfully environmentally friendly. The operation is safe, clean and virtually silent. It provides especially clean indoor air quality and won’t cause problems with overly dry air. Because the system moves heat from one place to another, rather than creating heat, it’s super energy efficient. Although a heat pump costs more to purchase and install than a furnace, it is a two-in-one system and saves on utility bills all year round. Modern heat pumps feature adaptable-speed technology that allows the compressor to automatically adjust speed to the needs of the home. The unit supplies precisely the amount of heated or cooled air necessary to maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature.