| Frequently
Asked Questions |
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Q. What is a heat pump?
A. A very efficient system for heating and
cooling your home. Unlike a furnace it doesn't burn
fuel to make heat. It simply pumps heat where you want
it—inside in winter and outside in summer. This lowers
your power bill and since there is no fire, it is very
safe.
Q. Can I have separate
temperature control in each room?
A. Each room or group of rooms can have
separate temperature control just as each room has
it's own light switch. This allows you to have just
the right temperature in each room and to heat and
cool only the rooms you use. We can customize your
system to fit your unique lifestyle.
Q. How do I know what size system
I should buy?
A. A survey of your home will need to be done.
Insulation levels, window sizes and construction
materials must be identified and measured. Then a heat
loss and cooling load analysis can be performed. This
is the only way to properly size your system. Old
"rules of thumb" won't work. You could end up with a
system that is too large or too small for your home. A
system that is too small won't get the job done. A
system that is too large will cycle too much, which
will shorten it's life and cost you more to own.
Q. Do I need a heat pump if I
don't want air conditioning?
A. Even if you never use the cooling cycle a
heat pump is a good choice because our winters are so
long and mild. Because of our unique weather a heat
pump can save you up to 50% of your heating bills.
Q. How can I make the air in my
home cleaner?
A. First remove the source of pollutants. Store
paint cans and cleaners outside. Remove your shoes at
the door and use your exhaust fans. For a greater
benefit, install a high efficiency filter. Electronic
air filters are 20 to 40 times better at cleaning the
air than typical furnace filters.
Q. How do I choose the best
company to install my system?
A. Ask for referrals from your friends and
neighbors. An established company that has been in
business in your area for many years will have lots of
happy customers. They should be licensed, insured and
have design, installation and service departments.
Being in business a lot of years isn't always evidence
of quality. Find out what they have put into those
years. Ask to see training certificates and awards
they have earned.
Q. My heat pump is steaming and
dripping water, is that normal?
A. During the heating cycle a heat pump removes
heat from the outside air. Water will condense and run
on the ground near the outdoor unit. If it is 47
degrees or colder it will automatically defrost itself
periodically. This will cause cool harmless steam to
rise from the heat pump. |
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