Now that you have learned about the basic principles of Heat Pumps and the components of a Heat Pump, we are going to explore the most common types of heat pumps for your home.

Each type of heat pump uses the basic principles of the refrigeration cycle. The difference is, in some cases, they may use a medium other than air to move heat. Let’s dive into the different types of heat pumps available and how to determine which system is right for your home.

Air source heat pumps are aptly named because they condition and move air to heat and cool your home.

You may recognize these heat pumps by the long rectangular equipment typically mounted high on walls. This equipment is called the air handler. They are also accompanied by a component outside the house called a compressor.

Also known as geothermal heat pumps, these types of heat pumps use the relatively constant temperature of the ground to heat and cool your home. Where air source heat pumps use air to move heat in and out of the home, ground source heat pumps use long loops of liquid-filled pipes buried in the ground to transfer the earth’s heat to the air. Geothermal heat pump systems generally cost more than other heat pumps, but they can be a smart investment since they can last up to 50 years.

Heat pump water heaters are the most common type of heat pump found in the market today. Heat pump water heaters pull heat from the surrounding air to heat the water, making them two-to-four times more efficient than electric resistance water heaters, which rely on electric heating elements submerged in a storage tank.

Heat pump water heaters are not only easy to maintain but also offer other unique features like condensation management systems to prevent leaking and moisture issues, freezer protection to ensure hot water is delivered in cold temperatures, and smart controls to further optimize savings. Heat pump water heaters can also help dehumidify the area around them – perfect for placing the unit in the basement.