What Temperature Is A Heat Pump Not Effective? How Cold Will A Heat Pump Work?

Heat pumps are an excellent choice if you want to maximize efficiency in your home. A heat pump is a special type of HVAC unit that uses refrigerant to move hot and cold air throughout your home.

A heat pump can pump cool air into your home in the summer, and then be reversed in the winter to heat the interior of your home.

Heat pumps are very efficient and mechanically simple, making them very popular for mini split HVAC installations.

But you may have heard that there are no heat pumps that work below freezing.

How cold will heat pumps work, and does it make sense to get a heat pump in an area with cold winter, such as Bethlehem, PA? Find out now!

Why Do Heat Pumps Work Less Effectively When It’s Extremely Cold?

To understand why a heat pump doesn’t work as well in the cold, it’s important to understand how a heat pump functions.

Essentially, a heat pump uses a “refrigerant” to transfer heat from inside your home to the outdoors – and vice versa.

When it’s hot in your home, the refrigerant in the heat pump absorbs the heat, and vents it outside. The hot refrigerant is then expanded, which cools it down significantly. Then, a fan blows over this cool refrigerant, pumping cool air back into your home.

In the winter, this process is reversed. The heat pump can absorb heat from the outside air – even when it’s quite cold! Then, the hot refrigerant from the outdoors is pumped into your home, and a fan blows across it to provide heat to the inside of your home.

The refrigerant cools off again, and is pumped back outside to be heated once again.

Even in very cold weather, there is enough heat outside for your heat pump to absorb it and continue heating the inside of your home.

https://youtu.be/wzqTWv8zGlM

However, this is only true to a certain extent – when temperatures get very cold, there may simply not be enough ambient heat to keep the pump running efficiently.

If you have a heat pump and your thermostat is not reaching a set temperature heat when it’s very cold outside, this is likely what is happening. It may be so cold that your heat pump is not operating efficiently.

This is why, traditionally, heat pumps are only recommended for climates where the temperature rarely dips below freezing during the winter. They are not as effective when it’s very cold, in most cases.

However, most heat pumps can be modified with electric “heating strips.” When switched on, these strips provide an extra source of heat for the pump, allowing it to work efficiently at any temperature - this could add more money to your power bill.

What Temperature Is A Heat Pump Not Effective? It Depends on Your Heat Pump!

How cold will a heat pump work? That’s a great question, and it mostly depends on the model of your heat pump. Most standard heat pumps will function at 100% efficiency until the outside temperature reaches about 40° F.

However, when the temperature dips below this, most heat pumps are not able to maintain efficiency. They become much less effective at temperatures between 20° F to 30° F. At lower temperatures, the heat pump will use a lot more energy and will not heat your home as efficiently.

Brands like Mitsubishi are perfecting the efficiency below 30° - ask us about these systems when looking for a new HVAC system install quote.

There are a few stereotypes to heating installation, but this is an exception when it comes to how cold heat pumps will work, though. There are some heat pumps that will work below freezing. For example, there are Mitsubishi H2i heat pumps, which use Hyper-Heat INVERTER technology.

Using a powerful pump unit and a special “flash injection” circuit that injects more refrigerant into the system, these Mitsubishi heat pumps deliver up to 76% efficiency at outdoor temperatures as low as -13° F, and 100% efficiency at temperatures between 0° F and 5° F. In contrast, most conventional heat pumps won’t work at all at temperatures that are this low.

In addition, this system is a ductless “mini-split” system, so it does not require costly ductwork throughout your home. If you’re interested in replacing your HVAC system with an efficient and simple heat pump – or you want to retrofit an older building that doesn’t have room for ducted HVAC – Mitsubishi heat pump products are a great option.

Need Heat Pump Installation or Repairs In Bethlehem, PA? We’re Here to Help!

Whether you want to install a new heat pump like a Mitsubishi H2i in Bethlehem, PA, or you live in the area and have been Googling “heat pump repair near me,” Deluxe Plumbing & Heating is here to help.

We carry and install high-quality Mitsubishi heat pumps that work in even sub-zero temperatures, and we can service and repair all makes & models of heat pumps in Bethlehem.

If you’re having issues with your heat pump during cold temperatures, we can repair your unit and even modify it with electric heating strips to keep it functioning all-year-round. To learn more about our heat pump installation and repair services in Bethlehem, PA, just contact us online or give us a call at 610-628-1724.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/what-temperature-is-a-heat-pump-not-effective-how-cold-will-a-heat-pump-work

Furnace leaking water when heat is on [4 possible causes]

Okay, so your Furnace is Leaking Water When the Heat Is On?

Heating is important for ensuring the comfort of a home. As a result, interested individuals should monitor their heating system for signs of serious issues that should be checked out by a heating professional sooner rather than later.

One excellent example of such issues would be a furnace leaking water when the heat is on, which could become something worse unless it is acted upon.

What Are Some Potential Causes?

Here are some of the most common causes of furnaces leaking water when the heat is on:

• Condensing Drain Has a Problem

Some people have condensing furnaces, which are high-efficiency furnaces with a second heat exchanger that can extract extra heat from the water vapor vented out in the normal course of things.

If interested individuals are unsure, they can check the material of the vent. This is useful because condensing furnaces have PVC vents while other furnaces have metal vents.

In any case, a condensing furnace might be leaking water because there is a problem with the condensing drain contained therein.

https://youtu.be/v4WMZ5i4c3M

• Condensate Pump Has a Problem

Generally speaking, condensing furnaces drain downwards. However, there are some setups in which the water vapor has to go upwards and outwards. Something that is made possible by the presence of a condensate pump.

Water vapor can't be pumped out when the pump has suffered a serious issue, thus resulting in an eventual leak.

• Humidifier Has a Problem

Not every furnace has a humidifier.

However, those that do are very likely suffering from a humidifier-related problem when they experience a leak.

Unfortunately, there is a wide range of potential causes for said issue. For example, the pad might have become hard and crusty because of mineral build-up, thus making it incapable of absorbing water.

Likewise, the drain might have gotten clogged, meaning that it will need to be cleaned out before it can return to proper functioning.

• Cracked Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is one of the most important components of a furnace. Thanks to this, heat exchanger-related issues are some of the biggest furnace problems.

For instance, a heat exchanger can crack, which in turn, can let out moisture as well as carbon monoxide. This is something that interested individuals should never attempt to handle on their own.

Instead, they should turn off their furnace before calling in heating professionals for a full list of options, which are very likely to boil down to getting a replacement for their broken furnace.

Experiencing furnace problems?

The best solution is to contact reliable and reputable heating professionals such as those with Deluxe Plumbing and Heating, who can handle a wide range of issues with a wide range of furnaces.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/furnace-leaking-water-when-heat-is-on-4-possible-causes

How long does it take an electric hot water heater to heat up?

Is anything as relaxing as a nice, hot soak after a long day?

Or perhaps you prefer to start your day energized by a quick, warm shower.

If you live with a big family, however, sometimes the water runs out too quickly. You may wonder if your water heater is broken or needs replacing. Here's a quick guide to water heaters.

Size First

The biggest question is, how big is your water heater?

Most single-family homes have 40-50 gallon water heaters. You may have to adjust the times given based on how big the water heater is. The times given are also for a complete refill. If you only use, say, half your water tank's capacity at once, the heating time will of course be much less.

⚡ Electric

A working electric water heater can heat 40 gallons of water in just under an hour and a half. More efficient heaters can bring this time down to around an hour.

Gas

A gas water heater in good repair can heat your water in much less time; it usually only takes about thirty to forty minutes.

️ Solar

Since solar generators are usually hooked up to an electricity source, they take the same amount of time as an electric water heater.

There's a couple drawbacks, however.

If your home's power source is completely solar, then you may be without hot water for a long time if the weather is overcast. So if the weather is cold and cloudy, you may end up having to go without hot water unless you have a secondary power system.

Emerging Energy

A few new water heaters on the market take advantage of emerging technology. One example is the tankless water heater. Rather than build up a store of hot water, a tankless heater instantly applies heat to cold water as it moves through your home's pipes and out the faucet or showerhead. These can be expensive, but since they don't have to keep water warm all day, they can pay off in the long run in terms of efficiency. Depending on where you live, a geothermal water heater may also be an option. Let the Earth itself warm your water!

Maintaining Your System

If your water heater is taking much more time than listed here to heat up, it likely needs to be repaired or even replaced. Beyond merely convenient, fixing an inefficient water heater can reduce your home energy bill by as much as 50%! Get ahold of Deluxe Plumbing for a quick and easy consultation.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/how-long-does-it-take-an-electric-hot-water-heater-to-heat-up

Which is cheaper gas or electric heat in Bethlehem, PA?

Choosing between sources of energy to use for your home heating system can be a tough call.

Natural gas and electric heat both come with their own set of upsides and downsides, and it is up to the homeowner to decide which one to use.

Costs are often an imperative factor to homeowners, which will be outlined in this section.

Natural Gas Heating

Natural gas is considered to be an efficient method of heating up your home, which is an important factor to Lehigh Valley and to a greater extent, all northeast Pennsylvania residents, as winters are often times harsh and long here.

Because the state of Pennsylvania has a higher cost on natural gas compared to the national average, it can quickly become a financial liability to many homeowners, if left unbudgeted.

Nevertheless, thanks to technological developments, Pennsylvania residents have saved over $30 billion on natural gas over the past decade.

Despite speculation over the rising costs, it remains the most economical option (usually less than $500) for most residents, due to its competitive pricing scheme.

Electric Heating with Heat Pumps

Quickly becoming a new favorite among residents, it comes with several advantages over traditional gas or oil-based energy.

During warmer periods of the year, when weather conditions are milder, it can provide a sufficient level of heating to homeowners in and around Bethlehem and other parts of the northeast.

In addition, it produces less noise when compared to gas or oil heating, while also being eco-friendly and safer than combustion-based systems. Despite the 3% rise in costs over the past year, the price for electric heating in Pennsylvania still hovers around the national average of 500$ per annum.

It is important to keep in mind that the size of the house and its location will affect costs.

If you are in the market for a new heat system or thinking of switching - we believe heat pumps are the way to go. Heat pumps are quiet, efficient and ,easy to maintain for any age homeowner. The downside of this system is that they can be expensive to install pending on your current situation.

Electric Baseboard Heating

Although they are not as common as other home heating systems, baseboard heating remains in a lot of homes and businesses throughout the Lehigh Valley area.

Being far more discreet than anything else on the list, they make an excellent choice for those who may be disturbed by loud noises. With its simple installation process, alongside individual zone heating controlled by a digital thermostat, it has seen a rise in popularity over the past few years.

However, this method is expensive when compared to an electric heat pump or gas based heating, typically between $500 and $1500.

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Fortunately, there are many calculators that can help you figure out the most efficient heating method for your home, such as this one. If you're in need of a heat pump install contractor, then contact the Deluxe Plumbing & Heating company via (610) 628-1724 to find out more.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/which-is-cheaper-gas-or-electric-heat-in-bethlehem-pa

Why Does my Heat Pump Fan Not Turn On?

Homeowners often find themselves facing issues with their heat pump system. Those issues can extend from the fan or pump not working as intended, or a total failure of the heat pump system.

When the heat pump is running but the fans are not spinning, it is advisable to first check whether there is any debris.

This is not a complicated step, but you must turn off the power before attempting to remove any potential obstacles from the unit, as the fans could cause collateral damage to the user.

Then, remove the top of the heat pump cabinet and check for any potential sticks or critters blocking the fans. Once removed, do not forget to turn the power back on. If the issue persists, here are some potential problems that could cause your fan to not spin.

Sticky Fan Motor

It is possible that the fan is in the early stages of failing. In order to test this, use a stick to give the fan a push. Never use your finger as it can be potentially life risking. If the fan is up and running, motor replacement is needed.

Dead Fan

If the fan remains unresponsive despite giving it a nudge, then either the capacitator or motor has failed. It is not advised to run the heat pump system with defect fans, as they are necessary when cooling the compressor. A dead fan can lead to overheating and irreversible damage to the unit, which will require replacement.

Fortunately, capacitators cost in the range of $150-$275 to replace, which is less than replacing a fan. You may also wish to test the capacitator yourself, provided that you are comfortable working with electricity and have a tester at home.

Running Compressor but Slow Fan

You can check the capacitator yourself, or ask an HVAC technician to test it and determine the problem.

It is possible that your fan has a two stage (speed at about 60% and 100% of capacity) or variable-speed ( speed at about 40% to 100% of capacity) control function, in which case they are running at perfect speed.

If the fan is barely making a sound, then there is a problem, and you may wish to contact one of our HVAC technicians.

No Heat Pump or Fan

Check if your heat pump thermostat is on, and if it's set on the right mode. Ensure that the circuits to the air handler are on.

Your Heat Pump May Simply Be Too Old

If the heat pump is under warranty, meaning that it was purchased less than 12 years ago, then the most sensible option is repairing it.

However, if it was bought over 12 years ago, and has already shown signs of failure, then consider replacing it entirely. One of our HVAC professionals can evaluate which option is most suitable for your particular situation, so give us a call at (610) 628-1724 to receive a free quote or visit and learn more about our heating services.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/why-does-my-heat-pump-fan-not-turn-on