Heat pumps might not be the most exciting thing to learn about, but the humble heat pump has come a long way and are now as popular as ever for a reason.
Due to their efficiency, effectiveness, and economic value-heat pumps are only just beginning to heat up!
Let’s look at some fascinating heat pump facts and why you should consider investing in a heat pump.
1. Heat pumps are used for heating and cooling
Heat pumps don’t automatically make you think of a device that can do the opposite of producing heat. But this two-in-one system does just that!
Heat pumps provide warmth over the cooler seasons; they can be used as an air conditioner in the summer months.
When in heating mode, it pulls energy from outside using electricity or by taking heat from the ground or air, which is then transferred into your home. When in the cooling mode, the reverse is done. They take coolness out of the air or ground and move the cool air into your home.
Using a single heat pump system can replace both your air conditioner and alternative heating source!
2. Heat pumps help save the environment
Heat pumps don’t burn anything to produce their heat. Therefore, they help reduce your carbon emissions of harmful gases such as poisonous carbon dioxide, a “greenhouse gas” that contributes to climate change.
3. Heat pumps are safe and convenient
A heat pump system is the safest choice.
Unlike gas heating or wood burners, there are no flames or hot surfaces that can become a safety hazard to children and pets.
Heat pumps can heat up or cool down a room within a few minutes; once the room reaches your ideal temperature, the heat pump will maintain that temperature for as long as you require it to.
Heat pumps won’t create smoke or add any fumes to the air. Hence they can be left on while you are out of the house or asleep without having to worry about any risks.
4. Heat pumps improve air quality
Since heat pumps don’t burn from toxic fumes and oil, they don’t produce harmful smoke. Heat pumps circulate the air in your room and purify the air while removing dust, mould, and other particles.
It’s easy to understand why heat pumps are the number one choice for those who suffer from respiratory issues, asthma, or allergies.
5. Heat pumps last long
The average life span of a heat pump is around 15 years. However, if well-maintained and serviced once a year, your heat pump can last up to 50 years!
6. Low maintenance
Heat pumps are low maintenance due to their combustion heating systems.
By using one system instead of two separate systems for your heating and cooling needs, you are automatically cutting your maintenance tasks and costs in half.
7. Heat pumps help save you money
According to energywise.govt.nz, a heat pump used 6 hours per day for 6 months of the year with an energy output of 6KwH will cost around $400 per year to run. Not bad, ah?
While this will all depend on how much you use your heat pump, you could be saving around $500 a year instead of using an alternative heating source like an electric heater.
8. The first developed air conditioner
In 1931, engineers H.H. Schultz and J.Q. Sherman developed the first window-unit air conditioner. One year after their invention, these room air conditioners were available for purchase between $10,000 to $50,000.
In the 1950s, thanks to increased American prosperity after World War II, air conditioning units first became widely affordable. This meant that everyday Americans were able to buy room units. In 1953 alone, 1 million air conditioners were sold.
9. Who invented heat pumps?
While many contributors were leading up to the invention of the heat pump, the American inventor Robert C. Webber has been credited with developing the first ground heat pump system.
Robert C. Webber came up with the idea for a ground source heat pump in the late 1940s when he was doing some experiments with his deep freezer.
Having burnt his hands touching the outlet pipes of the cooling system, he wondered whether he might be able to reverse the mechanics. So, he connected the outlet piping from a freezer to a hot water heater and, since the freezer was producing a constant excess heat, he hooked up the heated water to a piping loop.
10. Heat pumps have gained popularity in New Zealand
Over 50% of home heating products sold in New Zealand are Heat Pumps. Since 2005, the use of heat pumps in Kiwis homes has grown significantly.
Do you need a heat pump?
As you can see, there’s a lot of fascinating facts about heat pumps.
So, when considering these facts, is it time for you to install a heat pump?
We are heat pump specialists with a proven track record of delivering exceptional heat pump services to our customers.
We can put you in the right direction and tell you what heat pump will best serve your needs.
Make a heat pump part of your home or commercial space with energy-efficient and ecologically friendly heat pumps. Save money and the environment!
You can book online or give us a call to learn more about our range of services and how we can help you.
