High energy bills this past winter?

Heat Pumps, Thermal Balance Points, and Your Electric Bill: A Guide for Central PA Homeowners

Heat pumps are a popular and efficient way to heat and cool your home, but to get the most out of them – and keep your electric bills in check – it's important to understand a key concept: the thermal balance point. If you're in Huntingdon, PA or the surrounding areas, and considering a heat pump or want to optimize your current system, this is for you.

Heat pumps provide amazing comfort year round, but understanding their limitations helps us to select units that will perform well and be efficient to operate.

What is a Heat Pump's Thermal Balance Point?

A heat pump works by transferring heat rather than generating it. In the winter, it extracts heat from the outside air and moves it indoors. In the summer, it reverses the process, removing heat from your home.

The thermal balance point is the outdoor temperature at which your heat pump can exactly meet your home's heating needs.

• Above the balance point: Your heat pump operates efficiently, easily keeping your home warm.

• At the balance point: The heat pump is working at its maximum efficiency to offset heat loss.

• Below the balance point: The heat pump starts to struggle to provide enough heat on its own.

  
  

Why Does the Thermal Balance Point Matter for Your Electric Bill?

As temperatures drop below the balance point, your heat pump needs supplemental heat to keep your home comfortable. This is where auxiliary or backup heat comes in, which is often electric resistance heat.

Electric resistance heat is effective, but it's less energy-efficient than the heat pump itself. This means that when your auxiliary heat is used more frequently, your electric bill can increase.

Factors Affecting the Thermal Balance Point (and Your Bills)

The thermal balance point varies from home to home. In Huntingdon, PA, where we experience cold winters, several factors influence when auxiliary heat kicks in:

• Insulation: Well-insulated homes retain heat better, raising the balance point, meaning less use of auxiliary heat.

• Windows: Energy-efficient windows minimize heat loss.

• Air Sealing: Proper sealing prevents drafts and heat loss.

• Heat Pump Efficiency: Higher-efficiency heat pumps can operate effectively at lower temperatures, reducing auxiliary heat use.

  
  

Optimizing Your Heat Pump System

To minimize auxiliary heat use and keep your electric bills down during our Huntingdon winters:

• Ensure proper insulation: Upgrade insulation in your attic, walls, and floors.

• Seal air leaks: Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors.

• Consider a high-efficiency heat pump: Newer models are designed to operate more efficiently in colder temperatures.

• Regular maintenance: Proper maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently.

B. Bliss Repair & Installation: Your Local HVAC Experts

For homeowners in Huntingdon, PA and the surrounding areas, B. Bliss Repair & Installation is your trusted partner for all your heat pump needs. We understand the unique climate challenges in our area and can help you:

• Choose the right heat pump system: We'll assess your home and recommend a system optimized for our local climate.

• Install your system correctly: Proper installation is crucial for efficiency and performance.

• Maintain your system: We offer maintenance services to keep your heat pump running smoothly.

Don't let high electric bills get you down. Contact B. Bliss Repair & Installation for expert advice and service on heat pumps. We're here to help you stay comfortable and save money!