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How can a heat pump save me money?
Everyone is looking for savings these days — especially when it comes to heating and cooling your home. We’ve made it our mandate to be right there with you! That’s why the folks at Thomson Industries thought you’d be especially interested in the money-saving, energy-reducing, convenience-bringing benefits of heat pumps, and let you know about the current incredible rebate available through BC Hydro. The rebate is only available until December 31, 2020, so if you’re reading this after that, we suggest you look at what they are offering right now.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is an energy-efficient home heating and cooling system that transfers heat from one area and sends it to another. Heat pumps are available in various models – including ductless – and work perfectly with your thermostat to control your home’s temperature.
Your fridge is a great example of a heat pump. (Although it only works one way). The fridge takes the hot air from inside the fridge and sends it over compressor coils at the back, sending hot air out. Think of the many times you have stood in front of the fridge and felt warmth on the floor or blowing against your ankles.
During winters, an air source heat pump will extract heat from the air outside, sending it into your home to warm you up. (yes, there is some heat in winter air).
What makes heat pumps so perfect for Canadian weather is that they can reverse direction in the summer, taking that oppressive heat from your home and sending it outside to keep you cool. They’re more efficient than air conditioners — which save money! It’s one of the reasons so many Lower Mainland homeowners are making the switch these days.
Do Heat Pumps Work in Cold Climates?
Heat pumps definitely work in places like Vancouver, where it can get extra chilly during the winter months. However, with many models, there are limits to their heating power, and that’s where your furnace does its duty.
When the weather gets on the real cold side, and there isn’t enough heat to extract from the air, your furnace will come to the rescue.
You can turn your furnace on when the temperature dips, and still get the level of heat you want. Your Daikin One thermostat does it for you, automatically, so your comfort level remains constant.
Isn’t It Cheaper to Stick with Gas?
We agree, electricity is expensive. But if you do the math, a heat pump does save money over using gas. The coefficient of performance (COP) is a measurement for anything that heats your home. It how much heat is delivered for every unit of energy a system uses.
Heat pumps have a higher COP rating than gas, propane, and electric furnaces, which means you would see significant savings, even with the difference in gas and electricity rates. Talk to us about the various models of heat pumps we have, and what model would be right for you.
Heat Pump Benefits
Installing a heat pump comes with a lot of benefits, many of which you’ll notice right away.
Increased Efficiency and Lower Costs
A heat pump is much more efficient than your standard heating systems. According to Natural Resources Canada, at 10°C, for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity used to power a heat pump it will produce approximately 3.3 kWh of heat, which will fluctuate depending on the temperature; however, it makes heat pumps a superior choice for people concerned with reducing their carbon emissions.
Heat pumps are also an excellent choice if you want to save money – and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to save money? They can reduce your electric heating costs by as much as 50%. That’s a lot of money to spend on other things!
You may use a gas furnace to heat your home. A heat pump will reduce how much you use it (since it works at all but the coldest temperatures), carving those bills way down. When you consider that approximately half of your electric and natural gas bills are just for heating in B.C., that’s a lot of savings.
A heater and an air conditioner
Although the name is misleading it’s important to know – heat pumps are most often used as air conditioners!
In the summer, the process is simply reversed: warm air is removed from your home. This will keep you cool, but also performs as dehumidifier as well. This makes a heat pump an efficient alternative to an air conditioner.
With Regular Maintenance, You Barely Have to Think About Them
If you want a home heating and cooling system that is almost problem free, then a heat pump is perfect for you. They’re one of the most convenient systems out there. When you have one of Thomson Industries Maintenance Plans there’s even less work for you to do (and you get a discount on our services).
No combustion means they’re much safer
One of the biggest reasons furnaces need annual maintenance appointments is to ensure that no carbon monoxide is leaking out. This invisible killer can post a real threat to you and your family if something goes wrong.
As all heat pumps are electric there’s no combustion process in your home, This makes them a safe alternative.
They are long-lasting
Heat pumps last, on average, approximately 15 years. That’s an excellent, long lifespan. But remember, the better care you give all of your home heating and cooling systems, the longer they will last.
