February 8, 2015

Innovative HVAC Options for Homeowners

Statistics collected by the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicate that electricity is the most commonheating fuel used in the state of Virginia. This may be attributed to the increasing popularity of heat pumps as viable solutions for those who don’t have access to natural gas or who dislike the potential for significant fluctuations with oil-based heating. Modern engineering makes it possible to achieve excellent results with this dual-purpose solution to home comfort.

Heating Performance and Safety with a Heat Pump

Although industry standards for heat pumps require a minimum HSPF of 7.7, many energy-efficient choices exceed this rating dramatically, allowing consumers in search of Charlottesville HVAC solutions to reduce their utility bills through efficient HVAC installation choices. Carrier’s Infinity 20 system, for example, provides an HSPF of 13, far exceeding the performance of its nearest competitors. The installation of a heat pump can enhance home comfort levels while allowing home owners to improve personal and regional energy usage results.

Heat pumps also offer important comfort and safety benefits for home heating needs. Combustion-based heating can pose a risk of carbon monoxide leaks as a system ages, especially if the equipment is not inspected annually. Many furnaces also create significant temperature swings during their operation because of single stage heating. A heat pump can provide a gentler stream of heat while eliminating the concern for combustion emissions. For those who still want the benefit of a furnace, many of today’s heat pump models can be combined with furnaces for hybrid heating to ensure optimized efficiency based on weather conditions.

A Heat Pump for Efficient Cooling

Effective January 2015, the minimum SEER for a new split system cooling solution in southeastern states such as Virginia was set at 14. The efficiency levels of today’s heat pumps are comparable to those of air conditioners, ensuring that the choice of a heat pump addresses a homeowner’s year-round HVAC needs. In advanced models, a homeowner can enjoy adaptive technology that allows blower speeds and variable-speed compressors to provide just the right level of cooling activity based on indoor and outdoor conditions. High-efficiency models can exceed 20 SEER in some cases.

Managing Humidity with a Heat Pump

A heat pump is also an integral part of a home’s humidity management, important given Virginia’s high humidity levels throughout the year. Advanced heat pumps are designed to mitigate humidity issues even when high levels of cooling activity are not required.

As you consider your next HVAC installation, a heat pump may solve several issues affecting your home comfort and indoor air quality concerns. With a good maintenance routine, your selection of this approach could minimize HVAC repair needs while also reducing your energy usage dramatically. Call us to learn more or to schedule an estimate. W.E. Brown is pleased to offer our services for homes in nearby communities surrounding Charlottesville as well as in outlying areas such as Montebello and Greenwood.

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