If you’ve found yourself shivering in the winter or sweating bullets in the summer, you’ve likely considered the magic of heat pumps. Maybe you’ve even weighed the pros and cons and have a few questions. Aren’t they only good for heating? Don’t they make a racket? We know what you’re thinking, but no—these are just a few of the myths floating around. Today, we’re here to set the record straight. At Fonko, we believe in the power of informed decisions, which is why we’re tackling the top four misconceptions about heat pumps.
Myth 1: Aren’t Heatpumps Only Good for Heating?
If you’ve been misdirected by this first myth, we don’t blame you. After all, the name heat pump implies that it only focuses on warmth. However, heat pumps are incredibly versatile. During the colder months, they work by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors. conversely, in the warmer months, they reverse the process—acting much like an air conditioner—by removing heat from inside your home and expelling it outside. This dual functionality makes them a year-round solution for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.
Myth 2: Aren’t Heatpumps Noisy?
If you’ve ever stood next to an older model, you might understand where this misconception comes from. But, like many myths, it’s rooted in outdated information and lacks context. The first heat pump was invented in 1855. This means we’ve come a long way in creating more modern pumps and one of the most notable improvements is the sound. Due to bulkier compressors and fans, older heat pumps would create a racket but now modern pumps are designed with noise reduction in mind, featuring advancements that have significantly quieted their operation. Here are a few key developments:
- Improved Compressor Design: Today’s heat pumps use advanced compressor technology, such as variable-speed compressors, which operate more smoothly and quietly compared to the single-speed compressors of the past.
- Enhanced Fan Systems: Modern heat pumps also feature quieter fan designs. These fans are often larger and rotate more slowly, which reduces the noise produced compared to older, smaller, faster-spinning fans.
- Sound Insulation: Manufacturers have incorporated better sound insulation materials around the compressors and fans. These materials help dampen the noise, making the operation of modern heat pumps much quieter.
Myth 3: Aren’t Heatpumps Expensive to Run?
Many people think that because heat pumps run on electricity, they must be costly to operate, especially when compared to traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems. This belief stems from the assumption that electric heating is generally expensive and that heat pumps are just another form of electric heating. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Modern heat pumps are designed with efficiency in mind and their output of heat is much more significant than the energy they use.
According to the Electric Homes Technical Report, the cost-saving benefits of heat pumps are substantial. Including purchase, installation, and energy costs, electric heat pumps can save the average household between $3,540 and $12,350 over 15 years compared to piped gas heating. When compared to LPG, the savings are even more impressive, ranging from $12,290 to $14,380 over the same period. This means while the upfront cost may seem intimidating compared to a space heater, you’ll be reaping long-term benefits.
Myth 4: Aren’t Heatpumps ineffective in Colder Climates?
Those who live in the South Island are often particularly worried about the effectiveness of heat pumps and we don’t blame them. There’s nothing worse than waking up at night shivering. This misconception likely stemmed from the idea that as temperatures plummet, so does the heat pump’s ability to extract heat from the outside air. However, today’s heat pumps are equipped with advanced features that enable them to function effectively even in sub-zero temperatures.
(external link)Many people think that because heat pumps run on electricity, they must be costly to operate, especially when compared to traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems. This belief stems from the assumption that electric heating is generally expensive and that heat pumps are just another form of electric heat
A study from Oxford University and the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) found that heat pumps could be two to three times more efficient than oil and gas-based heating systems, even in sub-zero temperatures. This makes them an excellent choice for year-round climate control, especially when it comes to New Zealand’s unpredictable weather conditions. The study indicated that standard heat pumps operate efficiently during cold winters where temperatures rarely dip below minus 10°C which is perfect considering the average South Island winter low is around minus 1°C.
Conclusion
By now, it’s clear that many of the common misconceptions about heat pumps are rooted in outdated information or a lack of understanding about modern advancements. Heat pumps are versatile, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for both heating and cooling, making them ideal for year-round climate control. Whether you’re concerned about noise, running costs, or performance in colder climates, today’s heat pumps have evolved significantly to address these issues. If you’re ready to set aside the myth and explore the benefits of heat pumps for your homes then reach out to the team at Fonko today.