One of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your Mokena, IL home is to have a heat pump installed. During the warmer months, heat pumps are functionally identical to air conditioners. In winter, they offer even and steady heat. Whether you’re looking to cut your carbon footprint and energy bills or simplify your HVAC system, read on to discover six ways heat pumps can deliver.
1. Use Up to 80% Less Energy for Summertime Cooling
The efficiency of heat pumps has been heavily lauded by both the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). According to the DOE, heat pumps could cut homeowners’ summertime cooling costs by as much as 80%. In ideal operating conditions, heat pumps produce three to four times the cooling energy that they consume in electricity. This allows for efficiency levels as high as 300% to 400%. For this and other reasons, the EIA calls heat pumps critical tools for meeting ambitious, zero-emissions goals.
2. Eliminate Fuel-Burning Appliances and Potential Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Heat pumps have a reputation for poor performance in exceedingly cold winter climates. Currently, the most common heat pump type throughout the nation, air-source heat pumps, have a hard time sourcing heat from the outdoor air whenever temperatures fall below freezing. However, this is an issue that Mokena locals can easily overcome by simply choosing high-performance or low-ambient heat pumps for their homes. These heat pumps can maintain efficiency levels of 100% or higher even when outside temperatures dip below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
In areas like Mokena with nighttime temperatures as low as just 14 degrees Fahrenheit, many consumers rely on natural gas for heating. This is because natural gas burns hotter than almost every other heating fuel and comparatively, it burns fairly cleanly. However, having fuel-combusting appliances indoors puts residents at risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and poisoning. CO gas is a natural byproduct of incomplete combustion. Although you can mitigate the health risks of having a gas furnace by installing CO detectors and diligently maintaining its venting system, opting for a heat pump instead will eliminate these risks entirely.
3. Get a Leg Up on Home Electrification Before Natural Gas Bans Are Implemented
Illinois is one of many states still debating whether to ban the installation of gas-fired appliances in new construction. Although you still have the option of heating your home with natural gas, upgrading to a heat pump will give you a leg up on potentially essential electrification. This is an excellent home improvement for consumers seeking to lower the environmental impact of their HVAC systems without compromising their comfort.
4. Limit Your HVAC-Related Storage Needs
Swapping your furnace and air conditioner out for a heat pump will free up more usable space inside your home. With less equipment to house, you’ll have more room for tools, linens, or other stored items. With a heat pump for both heating and cooling, you’ll also have less equipment to clean and maintain.
5. Enjoy a Quieter Home With Heat Pumps’ Whisper-Quiet Operation
Gas-fired furnaces often make ticking, clicking, rattling, and humming sounds during operation. This is especially true as they advance in age. Comparatively, heat pumps offer whisper-quiet performance. While you might hear your heat pump cycle off and on, you’ll have no problem holding hushed conversations, hearing your TV at a modest volume, or engaging in quiet activities like meditation or reading.
6. Enjoy Even, Steady Heat and Better-Balanced Humidity
Using a gas-fired furnace for wintertime temperature control often creates indoor humidity issues. Gas-fired heaters produce heat with temperatures as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this allows for rapid heating and a quick change from intolerable conditions to comfort, it also dries out the air. For people who are especially sensitive to low humidity, this can lead to:
- Chapped lips
- Dry skin, eyes, and hair
- Nighttime nosebleeds
- Poor sleep quality
- Severe nasal congestion
Heat pumps produce even, steady heat. The heat emitted by these appliances is approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is sufficient for warming building interiors up, but it won’t dry homes out.
If dry indoor air is a common winter issue in your home, switching to a heat pump could prove better for everyone, including your pets and plants. Surprisingly, the better-balanced humidity provided by a heat pump will also keep your floorboards, wood furnishings, and other cherished items protected from dry-air problems like warping, cracking, blistering, and discoloration.
Since 1999, we’ve been proudly serving residents of Mokena, IL. We offer exceptional cooling, heating, and indoor air quality services. Our clients can also turn to us for cutting-edge options in ductless HVAC and heat pumps. To sign up for our preventative maintenance plan or schedule an appointment, contact Allegiance Heating & Cooling today!
