Is your current AC unit not working as it should? Maybe it's difficult to get your home down to a comfortable temperature, your utility bills are increasing, or you've noticed odd noises or smells coming from your system. These are all signs that it is time to start thinking about replacing your old air conditioning unit. When it's time to upgrade, a great alternative to a traditional AC is a heat pump. Choosing a heat pump will come with some added benefits over simply opting for another traditional AC installation.

Two Units In One

You might be wondering why you would purchase a heat pump if you are looking for options to stay cool. A heat pump both cools and heats your home, depending on the season. Instead of fussing with both a furnace and AC unit, you can opt for just one system that does both. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends having your unit serviced just once per year, instead of calling an HVAC technician for both a warm and cool-season tune-up. 

Better For The Environment

The Union of Concerned Scientists states that natural gas consumption leads to global warming, air pollution, water pollution, and disruption of wildlife. Most furnaces use natural gas, oil, or propane, so your current unit may be adding to these environmental concerns. Heat pumps use electricity for both heating and cooling. Not only do they use a better form of energy, but they typically use less energy than a traditional air conditioning unit or furnace. 

Save Money With A Heat Pump

You will likely pay more for a heat pump than an air conditioning installation, however, there are some financial incentives that make that investment worthwhile. It's great that a heat pump is energy-efficient and better for the environment, but that also means it can lower your heating and cooling bills. When you use less energy with this unit, your electric company will charge you less each month. Because heat pumps are better for the environment, you may also be eligible for a federal grant to offset some of the initial cost of your unit. You also won't have to worry about replacing your heat pump every few years because they can last 10-15 years, which can save you in the long run. 

Learn More

Your local HVAC technician can answer your questions about heat pumps, help you decide what size heat pump will work best for your home, and walk you through the cost of the unit and installation. It's time to feel comfortable in your home again, and you can make the environmentally-friendly and cost-saving choice of a heat pump in order to do so. Contact an air conditioning service to learn more.