Category Archives: Heating and Cooling

Articles about heating and cooling technologies, including air source heat pumps, solar hot water, geothermal or ground source heat pumps, etc.

solar panels with air source heat pumps

Benefits of solar-powered air source heat pumps

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If you’re already considering installing solar panels, you’re probably familiar with (and looking forward to!) the positive impact it will have on lowering your monthly electric bill. But what if you could also substantially decrease your monthly heating and cooling bills with your new system? You can maximize your energy bill savings and reduce your carbon footprint by pairing your solar panels with energy-efficient air source heat pumps.

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pros and cons of air source heat pumps

Pros and cons of air source heat pumps

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Choosing how you want to heat and cool your property is an important decision, especially regarding your energy bills. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heating and cooling make up roughly 53 percent of energy consumption in the average U.S. home, adding up to about $93 billion per year. Because these technologies make up such a large portion of energy costs, homeowners are increasingly looking to upgrade to newer, smarter, and more energy-efficient technologies like air source heat pumps (ASHPs). In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most important advantages and disadvantages of ASHPs to keep in mind as you’re evaluating what heating and cooling technologies are best for your home.

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air source heat pump

Eight questions to ask your heat pump contractor

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Air source heat pumps are incredibly efficient for heating and cooling your home. However, installing a heat pump is a bit more complex than just installing a traditional HVAC system. So, finding a trusted heat pump contractor to walk you through the process and install your heat pump is critical. We’ve spoken with several heat pump contractors to learn about common questions homeowners ask about heat pumps. As you research and prepare for your air source heat pump installation, here are some key questions to ask your installer.

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solar pool heater

Guide to solar pool heaters: what you need to know

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Pool owners are fortunate to have a place to cool down during hot, sticky weather, but owning a pool is not without its pain points. In an effort to keep pools open for as long as possible, pool owners may spend a good amount of money on heating the water to comfortable swimming temperatures. If you have a pool and are finding yourself paying a lot to keep it warm, you should definitely consider renewable energy options for heating. While relying on warm weather to passively heat your pool is a good solution during the height of the summer, solar pool heaters are a great option to consider if you want to save money while extending pool season earlier into the spring and later into the fall.

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mini split

What is a mini split?

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A mini split is a type of air source heat pump – specifically, it’s a ductless HVAC system that offers highly efficient heating and cooling. A mini split heats and cools a specific zone or room in your home, enabling you to cost-effectively manage and maintain temperatures to your comfort levels by room. We’ll break down the details of mini splits, including their components, how they work, how much they cost, and how to know if they’re right for you.

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heat pump faqs

Frequently asked questions about air source heat pumps

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Air source heat pumps are an efficient and effective electric heating and cooling system for your home or business. They can be adapted to work with a pre-existing ducted heating system but don’t require ducts, and ductless systems are easily installed in almost all buildings. They can also be integrated into smart home systems and can even help new construction avoid needing a natural gas line. In this article, we’ll outline some key questions to ask to help you determine if air source heat pumps are right for you! 

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Rising cost of natural gas

Rising natural gas prices: what to expect

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As we kick off winter 2021-2022, you’re probably anticipating a jump in your heating bill due to dropping temperatures. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it’s actually slated to be a warmer winter than usual, with above-average temperatures predicted across most of the U.S. due to LA Niña climate conditions – but you should still be prepared for higher than normal heating and electricity bills due to the rising cost of natural gas – and other fossil fuels – across the world. In this article, we’ll explain why natural gas prices are increasing, where the increases are most dramatic, and how you can protect yourself from the volatility of fossil fuel energy sources (spoiler alert: going solar will help!). 

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Thermodynamic Solar Panels

Thermodynamic solar panels: what are they and how do they work?

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Typically, when you think about solar panels, you picture solar photovoltaics (PV): panels that are installed atop your roof or in an open space and convert sunlight into electricity. However, solar panels can also be thermal, meaning that they convert sunlight into heat as opposed to electricity. Thermodynamic solar panels are one type of thermal solar panel–also called a collector–that differ dramatically from traditional thermal panels; instead of requiring direct sunlight, thermodynamic solar panels can also generate power from heat in the air.

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Solar-assisted heat pump

What are solar-assisted heat pumps, and how do you compare them?

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According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating and water heating can account for almost two thirds of energy use in U.S. homes—those bills definitely add-up! You can use many different types of energy efficient heating systems to offset these costs, including solar-assisted heat pumps (SAHPs), which some manufacturers claim can have payback periods as low as two to three years. These systems combine technology similar to solar hot water and air source heat pumps in order to heat water or small spaces in your home. SAHPs have existed since the 1970s, but have recently started gaining more attention due to their high efficiency.

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