What To Look for in a Heat Pump in Charleston SC
The allure of the Lowcountry is undeniable, there’s our spirit of graciousness, our flavorful comfort cuisine, the many historic sites, endless wrap around front porches, refreshing sweet tea and sandy shorelines. Also on the list? Charleston weather, which promises countless sunny days and warm ocean breezes. There is plenty of sun, but as we write this post, temperatures are expected to dip into the 50s in November and into the 40s in December. That means the volume of calls and emails we’ll receive about what to look for in a heat pump in Charleston, SC will soon spike. We want you to be informed and comfortable year-round; keep reading for heat pump basics and remember we are here for you and your family!
What Is a Heat Pump?
Trane provides a definition: “A heat pump, as part of a central heating and cooling system, uses the outside air to both heat a home in winter and cool it in summer.” In technical terms, they describe it as a “mechanical-compression cycle refrigeration system.” This heat pump video from Lennox is helpful for visual learners. Carrier describes how a heat pump keeps you comfortable year-round: “In cooler months, a heat pump pulls heat from the cold outdoor air and transfers it indoors, and in warmer months, it pulls heat out of indoor air to cool your home.” Fun fact: in warmer months, a heat pump also dehumidifies the indoor air as it cools it.
Types of Heat Pumps
Air-source and ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps are the two most common heat pump options.
● Carrier describes air-source heat pumps as pumps that transfer “heat between indoor and outdoor air … more popular for residential heating and cooling.”
● Geothermal heat pumps “transfer heat between the air inside your home and the ground outside.” The investment to install is considerably higher but the cost to operate is lower.
Heat Pumps in the Lowcountry
The use of Charleston heat pumps to heat and cool residential homes is a relatively new trend. One major motivator towards making the switch? Environmental considerations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports “geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for heating and cooling buildings.” National Geographic cites geothermal heat pumps as a part of the green building movement. Geothermal heat pumps use 23-44% less energy than the most popular air-source heat pump.
Heat Pump Considerations
When you’re ready to make the switch to a heat pump, SmarterHouse.org recommends:
● A system with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 15 (as SEER numbers increase, so does efficiency)
● High Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) and quality installation for air and ground-source
As always, we are here to help match your unique needs with the most reliable system.
Tax Credits and Special Financing Options May Be Available
While the investment in a geothermal heat pump is significant, tax credits and utility company rebates may be available. Be sure to ask us for the latest information, also checking the Energy Star website.
We’re Here to Help
Do you have questions about heat pumps in Charleston, SC? We would love to walk you through your options! The East Cooper Heating & Air team is committed to its employees, customers and communities. We are taking proper measures to ensure the safety of our team members and our customers. Let’s work together to keep you and your family comfortable. Contact us today to get started; give us a call at (843) 375-6592 or fill out our online request form.
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