Whether you are a homeowner or business owner, you can’t get around one indisputable fact: we all need energy. But that energy costs money. One way to get these costs under control is by utilizing geothermal heating and cooling systems.
Using geothermal energy to heat a pool is not only much more cost effective than using traditional heat pumps or gas heaters, but it is also much better for the environment. To fully understand the benefits of geothermal pool heaters, you first need to understand a little bit more about how they work.
Geothermal systems, which are designed to take advantage of the natural heat found just below the surface of the Earth, are not only economical to operate, but are environmentally friendly as well. Together, these two factors have more homeowners than ever opting to use geothermal heat in their homes.
If you are looking for a way to decrease your heating and cooling costs, you may want to consider upgrading to equipment that uses a variable-speed air handler. Typically, most air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps use a single-speed air handler. This means they are only capable of running at one speed regardless of the heating or cooling demand. This can wind up wasting a great deal of energy on days where the weather is relatively mild.
A heat pump is an efficient and effective means of heating and cooling a home in our temperate Florida climate. But as with other HVAC systems, heat pumps have a limited lifespan — usually no more than 20 years for most models. Depending on the age of your heat pump, chances are you have thought about a replacement or even a heat pump upgrade.
If your heater isn’t working properly, the problem might be your heat pump. Heat pump troubleshooting can help you pin down the issue and possibly fix it. Some problems with the heat pump, however, are better left to a professional.
Understanding how your heating system works can help you increase your home’s energy efficiency. Winters throughout Florida are typically mild, but it’s not uncommon to want to take the morning chill away or heat the house during an occasional cold snap. Many HVAC systems in Florida are heat pumps, since these are the most cost-effective ways to heat and cool homes. In the heating mode, both heat pumps and furnace systems operate basically the same, although the fuels to create heat differ.
When you reduce energy consumption in your home, you are also reducing extraneous energy costs and improving your home’s level of comfort. A variable-speed blower motor allows the air in your home to be precisely controlled and circulated at various speeds, thereby regulating temperature control and cutting down on energy costs.
Florida homeowners looking to upgrade their HVAC system should consider a heat pump. Used in conjunction with electric heating and cooling systems, a heat pump works against the natural flow of air by forcing cool air to turn into warm through a series of heating and cooling operations. First, a coil of refrigerant is heated until it turns into vapor, which is then pressurized in a compressor. The vapor is sent through a condenser where cold air is blown over the coil. The vapor cools back to a liquid state and the air warmed by the process is sent through the ductwork of the house. The process repeats, keeping the house warm.
When searching for a new heat pump for your house, you need to make sure you purchase the right kind that will bring ideal comfort and energy savings to your home. Using the HSPF — heating seasonal performance factor — to compare different pumps is the best way to find the perfect unit for your home.
