do you need a whole-house dehumidifier?do you need a whole-house dehumidifier?

Many homeowners have probably heard about the benefits of Trane heat pumps but may still be unfamiliar with the role that heat pumps play in the home. Heat pumps are made to replace air conditioner and furnace combinations. In the summer, heat pumps cool the home, just like an air conditioner. In the winter, heat pumps warm the home, playing the role of a furnace. Knowing how the functionality of a heat pump compares to air conditioners and furnaces can help you decide whether or not a heat pump is right for your property.

Do heat pumps cool as well as air conditioners?

Air conditioners work by moving heat from the inside of the house to the outside of the house, and that's exactly what heat pumps do as well. Heat pumps perform as well as air conditioners because they work the same as air conditioners. If you're thinking about replacing your air conditioner with a heat pump, you can expect your home to stay cool, comfortable during times of hot weather, just like you would expect if your home was cooled by an air conditioner.

Do heat pumps heat as well as furnaces?

Heat pumps can provide efficient heat in the winter. However, heat pumps function differently from furnaces. Whereas furnaces generate heat and blow the heat throughout the house, heat pumps actually remove heat from the exterior of the home and transfer it to the interior of the home. In mild climates with mild winters, a heat pump all by itself can work just as well as a furnace to keep the home warm.

However, in cold climates with cold winters, heat pumps rely on a backup system that helps generate extra warmth when there isn't enough heat outside to be moved inside. This backup system is less efficient and therefore much of the benefit of a heat pump is lost in cold-weather climates. While the home stays warm enough either way, heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces in warm climates and less efficient in cold climates.

How can you tell if a heat pump is appropriate for your home?

Speak to a certified HVAC professional about whether or not a heat pump would be right for your home. He or she can talk to you about homes with heat pumps in your area and how well the heat pumps work in those properties. He or she can also evaluate your current HVAC system to tell you whether or not a replacement of the furnace and air conditioner is warranted. To find out more, visit a website like http://www.capefearair.com.