| Which of these systems works best? If you own | | | | alone, and more efficient when it comes to |
| your own house and have individually controlled | | | | heating the entire house. Since experts |
| heating and air conditioning, then you will be very | | | | recommend having a backup system on file a dual |
| interested to know which of these technologies is | | | | system (that automatically switches back and |
| better--in terms of heat efficiency and in terms | | | | forth according to temperature) would be an |
| of cost. | | | | even better compromise. However, with the |
| First understand how these systems are | | | | advantages of air source electric pumps and |
| powered. The air source electric heat pumps | | | | dual-fuel heat pumps also come the disadvantages |
| system extracts heat from the air. It is | | | | of both. |
| electrically based, though it is relatively inexpensive | | | | That leaves geothermal heat pumps, the only |
| to maintain price-wise compared to gas pumps. It | | | | system that doesn't use the power of gas, fuel, |
| is also easy to use, even for the average | | | | propane or electricity. This type of system |
| consumer. It is cleaner than a gas powered | | | | extracts heat from the earth, namely the shallow |
| system and not as dangerous to run, since there | | | | ground, which is always warmer than a winter's |
| is no flammable or asphyxiating fuel involved. | | | | day and cooler than a summer's day. This type of |
| These two factors have no doubt influenced the | | | | system can save on long-term costs related to |
| majority to choose air source electric pumps. | | | | electricity. More importantly, it can heat the house |
| However, there is a major disadvantage here. | | | | more effectively because it is using the stability |
| They are considered unhealthy for the | | | | of the earth's temperatures. This is the favorite |
| environment, and systems are traditionally noisy | | | | type of technology among green enthusiasts |
| (although some systems are said to be quiet | | | | especially when it is combined with solar power. |
| performing). Most importantly, these systems lose | | | | There is a disadvantage to geothermal heat |
| their heating efficiency in extremely cold | | | | pumps and that is in the complexity of the design |
| temperatures, as the COP (Coefficient of | | | | and in the huge startup costs, especially when |
| Performance) is greatly reduced. | | | | compared to air source electric heat pumps. The |
| Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps are air source electric heat | | | | final word is that it all comes to down to cost and |
| pumps, except that they include a back up fuel | | | | your budget! Manufacturers to look for when |
| system. The advantage here is that this system | | | | shopping for these products include Addison, |
| can help a great deal in the cold winter season. It | | | | Daikin, Ruud and Tempstar. |
| is more economic than running electrical heat | | | | |