We’re all used to traditional central air conditioning systems, and for the most part, they do a very good job. But they’re not the only type of system out there, and if you live in Hammond, LA, they might not even be the best system for you. Heat pumps, in particular, make an attractive alternative to traditional systems, and if you’re looking to consolidate heating and cooling into one set. Heat pumps work very well in our sultry southern climate, but are they right for your home? Here’s a quick primer to help you decide.
Heater and AC in one System
Traditional air conditioners consist of a compressor array – usually located outside the home – that shifts the refrigerant gas to liquid form and releases a lot of heat into the outdoor air in the bargain. The liquid – under a great deal of pressure — then moves inside into the evaporator coils. As it evaporates, it pulls heat from the surrounding air which can then be blown into your home via a fan.
With heat pumps, that cycle can be switched, turning the indoor evaporator coils into the compressor array and the outdoor compressor into an evaporator array. You can thus heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer, all on the same system.
Benefits
The benefits to such a system largely fall into two categories: convenience and savings. Not only do you not have to worry about two separate systems for heating and cooling – making repairs and maintenance much simpler – but heat pumps generally cost less to operate from month to month than more traditional air conditioning systems do. They work best in climates with mild winters, making them a perfect fit for Louisiana. They might even improve the resale value of your home when the time comes to sell.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, or you already own one and need a reliable service company, A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning is standing by to help!