Now that winter is in full swing in Minnesota, many homeowners are cringing as they write the check to their energy provider each month. But, others who are using a heat pump in tandem with their electric furnace may be finding the opposite.
What is a heat pump? Heat pumps use electricity to move warm and cold air around a home, rather than burning fuel to do so. While heat pumps can be used in place of a heating and cooling unit in more moderate climates, for climates like Minnesota’s, heat pumps need to be used in combination with a backup heating source. Using a heat pump and an electric furnace together can cut your electricity use by as much as 40%, making your home more energy efficient and saving you money on energy bills.
But, don’t just take our word for it. Here’s how some of our favorite industry experts describe the energy benefits of heat pumps:
Trane (A local furnace manufacturer)
“Unlike a furnace, a heat pump doesn’t burn fuel to make heat. It simply uses electricity to move heat from one place to another — making it a more energy-efficient solution.”
“Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide equivalent space conditioning at as little as one quarter of the cost of operating conventional heating or cooling appliances. … Air-source heat pumps have been used for many years in nearly all parts of the United States, but until recently they have not been used in areas that experienced extended periods of subfreezing temperatures. However, in recent years, air-source heat pump technology has advanced so that it now offers a legitimate space heating alternative in colder regions.”
DoItYourself.com (A popular homeowners’ DIY site)
“[Heat pumps are] one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems you can install for your home. It does not convert electricity into heat. Rather, it absorbs warmth from the atmosphere or ground, multiplies it and then transfers this heat to the home. … Initial purchase price may be costly. This may serve as deterrent to acquisition. However, the savings you’d make on energy bills over time can well balance this out.”
A heat pump may not be the right solution for every homeowner as they can be costly to install and require regular maintenance checks, but they are certainly worth considering if you’re looking to increase the efficiency of your home and save money on monthly energy bills.
There are several different types of heat pumps out there. If you want to know more about your options, Welter Heating can help. Contact us today to learn more.
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These guys were my second call when my furnace stopped working properly. The first company I used sent a tech out who said the furnace needed to be replaced, and gave me a quote, but said he "jiggled a wire" and got it running again for the time being.
When it went out again the other day, I called Ray N. Welter. Their tech, Ralph, fixed the problem in half an hour. He told me the furnace is pretty old, but his fix should get me through the winter "and maybe a couple more," and then gave me a quote that was lower than the first company.
These guys are rad.
Dan J.
Minneapolis, MN
Furnace stopped working. When that happens after hours you learn a lot about companies. Today I called RW and got a person on the phone that knows about furnaces and he dispatched a service person Phil within 2 hours. I called them based on personal refer and reviews. They are excellent. Despite having a very old furnace it was the second time that this company said I did not need to replace. If I did replace it I want a Trane and RW would do to the work. For now I will call them for fall/spring tune ups and love that they don't have the club memberships etc. Just good solid customer service for all customers. A really ++ experience. Family run business with integrity.
Kathleen d.
Minneapolis, MN
If you need superior service this is your company!!! We were in Florida experiencing our first year as "snowbirds" when our furnace (in Bloomington) stopped working. Rick Welter personally took our call and not only sent a technician to our cold home, but checked on it for the next two days until our new heating unit could be properly installed. Phenomenal service!
In addition to the great service, their pricing was very competitive. I highly recommend this company for all of your heating or A/C needs!!!
Michael L.
Minneapolis, MN
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