If it's time to buy a new HVAC, you might want to look into buying a heat pump. This system can heat and cool your house so you may not need to buy both an air conditioner and a furnace depending on the climate in your local area. Plus, a heat pump is efficient, so you could save money on your power bills when you make the switch. Here's how this type of heating and cooling system is different from a traditional forced-air system.

A Heat Pump Can Cool And Heat

This type of climate control system works by pumping heat where it needs to go. In the summer, the system pumps heat out of your house so your home is nice and cool inside. In the winter, the unit pumps heat inside of your house to keep you warm. This is possible because the unit can reverse itself, which is something not possible with a traditional system.

The Pump Moves Heat Instead Of Generating It

One reason a heat pump system is so efficient is that it moves heat from place to place rather than generating it through a fuel source. It doesn't need fuel to generate heat. Instead, it is able to collect it from the outside air and move it inside your home. It's possible to do this even in the winter when it's cold outside. In the summer, the unit acts the same way as your traditional air conditioner which removes heat and humidity from your house.

A Heat Pump Doesn't Need Ducts

If you already have good ducts in your house, then you can connect a heat pump to the ducts and heat and cool your home in the usual manner through registers. However, ducts aren't required for this type of heating system. If you don't have ducts or if the ones you have are in bad shape, you can save money by not installing new ones when you get your new heating and cooling system. The system is composed of two main parts. One is the air handler that mounts on an inside wall, and the other is an outdoor unit that rests near the house on a concrete pad. It's possible to connect the two units directly through a small hole in the wall and eliminate the need for ducts.

This system can be used for whole-house climate control or for heating and cooling an addition or garage conversion. You may want to compare the pros and cons of a heat pump against the pros and cons of a traditional forced-air HVAC when it's time to buy your new climate control system. You may find that a heat pump keeps your home comfortable during all seasons of the year while keeping your energy costs lower.

For more information, reach out to a company such as Barnetts Heating & Air Conditioning.