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How Cold Climate Heat Pumps Can Keep You Comfortable Year-Round

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

home in winter with snowMany homeowners have now heard of heat pump systems, although many people think that they’re more popular in warmer climates. While it’s true that heat pumps have been used in the southern states for quite some time, it hasn’t been until the past few years that they’ve been a reliable heat source for those in the north.

Advanced technologies have made the heat pumps of today far more accessible to everyone because they are able to operate in cold climates. In the past, when the temperatures dropped below freezing, heat pumps stopped being as effective. But now, even people who live in the chilly northern states can enjoy the benefits of a heat pump system.

What are cold climate heat pumps?

First, let’s talk about what a cold climate heat pump system is. Heat pumps work by transferring heat inside from the outdoor air using a heat exchanger, a compressor, and pipes (usually filled with a refrigerant) to transfer heat from one area to another. Heat pump systems don’t need oil or gas to operate. Cold climate heat pumps are heat pump systems designed to work in even sub-zero temperatures. People who live in particularly cold climates often choose a heat pump with a traditional heating system back-up, as this greatly improves energy efficiency and keeps fossil fuel or gas consumption down.

What configurations are they available in?

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Heat pumps are generally available in two configurations:

  1. Ductless: Ductless heat pump systems are great for homeowners who are looking to replace a non-ducted heating system, such as baseboard or radiant heat. They also are a good choice to add to rooms like additions or converted areas that may not have access to the home’s ductwork system. They are small and provide great flexibility for zoning or individual spaces.
  2. Ducted: Ducted heat pumps are a good choice for people looking to replace an old, inefficient furnace system. Ducted heat pumps use the ductwork system in your home to deliver heated air throughout.

What are the main benefits of a cold climate heat pump system?

Learn more about the benefits of installing a ductless or ducted heat pump system in your home:

  • Improved Comfort: One of the main benefits of installing a heat pump system is that you’ll not only enjoy more consistent, improved comfort during the winter, but these systems also provide air conditioning in the summer. So, a heat pump system is like getting a heating and cooling system, all in one – and that means better comfort all year long.
  • Quiet Operation: Noisy ductwork is a thing of the past when you install a heat pump system. That’s because there is a steady supply of conditioned air being delivered. Not to mention, the indoor and outdoor components of a heat pump system are as quiet as a whisper.
  • Energy Savings: According to the Department of Energy, heat pump systems are able to heat and cool your home at a fraction of the cost of oil or propane systems – reducing energy consumption by up to 40 percent in some cases.
  • Easy Installation: Unlike systems that would require you to have ductwork added to your home, a heat pump system only requires minimal construction and can be performed by a qualified technician usually within a day (under normal circumstances).

Can Boelcke help me get a heat pump system for my home?

We sure can! When you need heat pumps from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

What is SEER and Why Does it Matter?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

If you have an air conditioning system installed in your home, chances are you know that it increases your energy usage. Large equipment like air conditioning uses a great deal of energy. In fact, the Department of Energy indicates that the average household uses about six percent of its annual utility budget on home cooling. What can you do to improve the efficiency of your home’s AC system? The first step is understanding how it uses energy.

SEER, Defined

All cooling equipment has a SEER rating. Often, this rating is posted directly on the equipment. But, what does it mean? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. In simple terms, a SEER rating is developed by calculating the amount of cooling the unit puts out divided by the amount of energy it takes to make the system operate properly. The higher the SEER rating on an air conditioning system, the more efficient it is. As a result, homeowners should pay close attention to the SEER rating on the AC unit they choose to install and opt for the system with the best efficiency in accordance with their budget.

A Comparison of SEER Ratings

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Older units (those that were produced 20 years ago, for instance) had a SEER rating of around 9. As you can imagine, these older systems required a lot of energy to cool homes. If you have a system that old in your home, it’s likely that you’re paying much more for home cooling than you could be with a modern system, even one with a SEER rating of 13 or 14. Because of this, it is often more cost-effective in the long run to replace an old system.

Modern air conditioning systems generally have a minimum rating of 14 SEER, but there are systems available that are even more energy-efficient. And, ductless air conditioning systems often offer a SEER rating of up to 23. That could mean huge energy savings over an old AC system. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified products to ensure the best SEER ratings possible.

How to Improve Your Air Conditioning System’s Efficiency

Of course, if you have a fairly new air conditioning system you likely will not want to replace it. But, if you’re like most homeowners, you’d probably like to make sure it’s operating as efficiently as possible. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help it use less energy and operate more effectively. Learn more:

  • Keep windows closed while your air conditioning system is operating. That way, you’re keeping the warm air outside, and the cooled air in your living space. And that means your system won’t have to work as hard.
  • Use appliances that add heat to your home less often during warm weather. Your dryer can add heat to your home, so consider using a clothesline or a drying rack to dry clothing and linens on hot days. And, make use of your outdoor grill or slow cooker when possible.
  • Turn off ventilation fans when not in use. Use the fans in your kitchen and bath to draw the heat away while cooking and bathing, of course, but turn them off when done so they’re not drawing your cooled air out of the home.
  • Use curtains or blinds to block the sun in your home. The heat from direct sunlight can warm up your home quickly, so when the sun is at its peak, make sure you draw your curtains and blinds to prevent your home from warming up – and your AC from working harder than necessary.
  • Make sure you get annual preventive maintenance on your air conditioning system. This will ensure that your system and filters are clean, and all components are in good working order – helping your AC maintain its effectiveness and efficiency.

How Boelcke Can Help

At Boelcke, it’s always our goal to not only help you stay as comfortable as possible but to help you save energy – and ultimately money on your utility bills – as well. If you’d like to learn more about SEER ratings, and if your system is as efficient as it should be, just give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll be happy to assist you.