Since the beginning of time, man has struggled with the task of staying warm in the winter and cool during the summer. Today, consumers have many options when it comes to heating and cooling their homes. Heating choices include traditional approaches such as the use of firewood and other engineered fuels like wood pellets and even grain fuels. Heating fuels like natural gas, heating oil, propane and even kerosene are all fuels used today to heat homes. Electric power is also commonly used to heat homes across the United States.
One of the more recent developments in home heating and cooling is the use of heat pumps. Even when it is cold outside, there is still heat present in the air. A heat pump works by extracting heat from cold air and sending it into the house. Refrigerant in coils become a vapor when heated and when the inside air comes in contact with these coils, the heat is transferred into the home through ductwork.
When the heat pump is made to cool, the process is reversed. Heat from inside is pulled from the house and expelled. You can think of a heat pump as either pushing warm air into a house or pulling it out. Homeowners who are considering heat pumps in Woodbridge, VA should contact a heating and air conditioning professional who can help them select a unit that best meets their needs.
When it is exceptionally cold outside, heat pumps have to work hard to extract enough heat from the outside air to heat a house adequately. In this situation, a heat pump has a heating coil that can supplement the heat produced by the pump. Many heat pump thermostats have a button that can be depressed to activate the heating coil and a light to signify that the heating coil is on. This coil is heated by electricity and can be expensive to run for long periods of time. However, heat pumps are generally believed to be one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your home.
Before purchasing a heat pump, check to see if the refrigerant needed for the unit is still available, since certain refrigerants are being phased out in favor of more environmentally friendly coolants. For Heat Pumps in Woodbridge VA, contact a licensed heating and cooling company to explore all your options when it comes to heating your home.
