Electric Air-to-Air (Air Source)
Heat Pumps

Electric air-to-air heat pumps are basically reversible air conditioners. They move heat from the air in one location to the air in another. In summer, they operate as air conditioners, removing heat from the home. In winter, they reverse their operation, gathering heat from air outside the home and moving it inside. Most heat pumps deliver conditioned air to the home using ductwork, although packaged, through-the-wall systems with no duct work are available.

Since heat pumps move rather than generate heat, they can be extremely efficient, delivering more than three times as much heat as they consume in energy. In some parts of the country, especially in mild climates, they are the least expensive way to heat and cool a home. Heat pumps have the additional advantages of providing heating and cooling in one unit using a single energy source. In addition, heat pumps do not require flues nor their associated roof penetrations.

Heat pump efficiency depends on outdoor temperature. In the heating mode, performance drops as the outside air temperature drops. In cold climates, heat pumps require a supplemental heating system for when they cannot produce enough heat to maintain the desired indoor temperature. Electric resistance back-up is most common, but gas, oil and LP gas back-up heating systems can also be used.

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