For homeowners seeking an energy-efficient solution, installing heat pumps in Atlanta is an excellent investment and works well with the local climate. In this article, we'll discuss the advantages and key considerations when choosing a heat pump.

What Makes a Heat Pump a Good Investment?

Investing in a heat pump installation for your home in Atlanta, Georgia, offers some fantastic benefits, including:

  • Energy efficiency: Unlike boilers or furnaces, which create heat, heat pumps move heat from one area to another, making them more energy-efficient.  
  • Durable longevity: Heat pumps have long lifespans due to their durability, often lasting 10 to 20 years when properly maintained.
  • Year-round functionality: Since heat pumps work for both heating and cooling, they're an all-in-one solution that operates throughout the year.
  • Consistent heating: Choosing heat pumps in North Atlanta and the surrounding area helps ensure you have consistently comfortable temperatures throughout your home.
  • Increased home value: A high-quality heat pump or furnace is an attractive feature, which can raise your home's value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Types of Heat Pumps

As with other heating devices, there are various types of heat pumps to choose from. Heat pumps are classified based on their heat source and operation. Two main types of heat pump operation are:

  • Ductless: Homes without ducts may be better off choosing a ductless system, such as a mini-split heat pump, rather than installing ductwork.
  • Ducted: For homes that already have air ducts, ducted heat pumps are an efficient solution, offering a simple, reliable installation that works year-round.

Both variants are effective but offer differing levels of versatility, depending on your needs and existing home systems.

Heat Sources for Heat Pumps

Heat pumps generally draw heat from one of two places — the air or the ground. 

Air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) are the most common, extracting heat directly from the air outside to warm the air inside. Geothermal or ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) work by extracting heat from the ground. In some areas, you may also encounter water-source heat pumps (WSHPs), which draw heat from water bodies.

All three options are highly effective, with GSHP and WSHP systems being the most effective, but they have more requirements and higher up-front costs. ASHP systems are slightly less effective, but still offer excellent heat with lower installation costs. It's worth noting that combination options are also available, called absorption heat pumps, which incorporate a furnace to produce heat. Depending on the design, they may rely on the following fuel sources:

  • Gas/propane
  • Oil
  • Wood
  • Electricity

How Heat Pumps Provide Efficient Heat

Heat pumps are an excellent investment since they offer improved energy efficiency and other advantages. They have a unique operating system that generally relies on a few primary components:

  • Heat sources provide the heat required by the heat exchanger or coils.
  • Large heat exchangers are used to facilitate heat transfer.
  • A refrigerant absorbs and releases heat to provide warming and cooling.
  • Compressors pressurize the refrigerant, forcing it through the system.

Superior Energy Usage

Since they rely on existing heat, moving it rather than creating it, these systems efficiently heat your entire home.

Heat pumps are rated by Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 (HSPF2) for heating and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) for cooling. These ratings take the total heating or cooling required and divide it by the energy consumed, expressed as thermal units divided by watt-hours, to achieve that goal. Higher ratings indicate a more effective system, while lower ratings indicate a less effective system.

ENERGY STAR® offers a reliable product finder to help you find a heat pump that offers maximum energy efficiency.

Weighing the Financials of a New Heat Pump

When you invest in a heat pump, you need to understand the financial ramifications — let's break it down.

Up-Front Installation vs. Long-Term Savings

While many factors affect installation costs, including the system type, heat source, and whether the needed ductwork is already in place, heat pumps typically have higher installation costs compared to other heating devices.

You can expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000 for a basic ASHP installation in a home that has existing ductwork, or for a ductless system installation. For homes installing brand-new GSHP systems, this cost may be as high as $25,000 or more. However, heat pumps are generally more efficient and have lower day-to-day operating costs.

Furnaces can cost as little as $3,000 to buy and install, but generally have higher operating costs. They also tend to lose heat through vents, while most heat pumps don't actively produce heat, and reliably maintain heat movement to ensure lower running costs.

Maintenance Needs and Lifespan

Furnaces typically last around 10-15 years, with some significant maintenance requirements. Well-maintained heat pumps have a similar lifespan, but can last up to 20 years if properly maintained. Heat pumps require relatively minimal maintenance, including:

  • Cleaning and replacing filters every month or two.
  • Ensuring a clear ventilation system.
  • Checking the refrigerant levels once a year.
  • Annual professional maintenance.
  • Yearly ductwork checking and cleaning.

Furnaces need more general maintenance, including:

  • Regular air filter replacement.
  • Inspecting and cleaning ductwork annually.
  • Cleaning the blower and burner to prevent soot buildup.
  • Thermostat maintenance.
  • Lubricating moving parts.

Both systems have advantages, but heat pumps are more cost-effective long-term. 

Heating Alternatives to Consider

While a heat pump is a good investment, it may not be the right fit for every home. Some alternatives to consider for your home include:

  • HVAC/furnaces: HVAC systems rely on furnaces, which may be powered by oil, wood or another heat source, to heat air through a heat exchanger. The system then blows the heated air into your home to create comfortable temperatures.
  • Geothermal solutions: Geothermal heating solutions absorb heat energy from the ground and use it to heat air, which is then cycled into the home to create warmer, more comfortable temperatures.
  • Boilers: Modern boilers are surprisingly energy-efficient and can provide both home heating and hot water from a single system, making them a space-savvy solution for two primary household needs.

Find the Right Heating System With One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®

If you're ready to invest in a heat pump, consider partnering with a trusted provider of heat pump services and repair in Atlanta. Installing a heating system is a big decision for you and your family, and you need to ensure it's installed to last. 

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® is a local team with the expertise, knowledge and service abilities needed to evaluate your home. We can help you find the ideal solution for your space, budget and heating needs. If you're ready to get a furnace or heat pump, need dependable heating services, or want a professional evaluation, contact us today.