Many people enjoy living in Santa Barbara because of the pleasant weather year-round. That being said, it does still get pretty warm in the summer and fairly cold in the winter. During the colder months, it’s always nice to have a comfortable place to get cozy in. If you’re building a new place or are considering getting a new type of heater, you may want to look into heat pumps. A heat pump can be a very practical solution for staying warm during California winters.

Heat Pumps Are Efficient

Heat pumps can keep your place nice and toasty, all while using relatively little energy. That’s because instead of having to generate heat, as a traditional heater does, a heat pump can transfer heat from place to place. It uses refrigerant in its piping system to absorb heat from an outside source, and then the refrigerant moves that heat inside your home, where it’s then given off. The energy savings associated with this type of heating system can be significant.

You might be wondering where the outside heat comes from. It can actually come from a number of places, and it would depend on the type of system you set up. Some heat pumps use systems that get their heat from underneath the ground, where the temperature stays stable throughout the year. Other heat pumps are air-source heat pumps that absorb heat from the air surrounding the outdoor unit. This system works well, even if it gets into the 40s or the 30s. That’s because the refrigerant, when it’s ready to absorb heat, is much colder than the air temperature. As long as there’s a temperature difference, the refrigerant can readily absorb heat and transfer it to your home.

Heat Pumps Are Versatile

In addition to heat pumps that work together with central air systems, there are ductless air-source heat pumps. One of these would be great if you don’t currently have central air or want to heat a sunroom, for example, that may not be hooked up to your home’s HVAC system.

Other Benefits

There are a few other reasons why heat pumps may make sense for many people in California. They’re relatively simple to maintain, and they can be used as air conditioners as well. When they’re set to cool your home, heat is absorbed from your home and released outside or under the ground; it’s just like the heating process but reversed. In addition, heat pumps don’t require oil or gas as some furnaces do, and this may be ideal from a safety perspective.

If you’re interested in getting a heat pump, call Crocker Refrigeration Heating & Air to set up an appointment.