Heat Pumps

What Are Heat Pumps?

A heat pump is essentially an air conditioner that can run backwards to provide heat. Heat pumps are usually split systems, like a furnace and air conditioning unit combination, with the heat pump taking the place of the AC unit outside. These systems are mostly matched with an air handler or blower coil connected to your ductwork system, but some unique packaged or wall-sleeve varieties are used in condos or similar applications. Heat pump contractors like W.F. Smith have been installing heat pumps for as long as they’ve been made, so we can help if you need a heat pump repair or replacement. We have accounts with all key suppliers to ensure access to the right products for every home. Interested in heat pump services in Philadelphia, PA? Contact us today!

Why Should I Consider a Heat Pump?

Many homes in Bucks and Montgomery Counties are heated primarily by heat pumps as they can be more cost effective heating systems than oil or propane furnaces. If you heat with either of these fuels in the Philadelphia area, you should call today to get a free evaluation of the annual savings available to you by installing a heat pump. To keep investment costs down, you may even be able to keep your oil or propane unit to act as a backup, which all heat pump systems in our area require. Obviously, natural gas is still the best choice if you have access to it, but a heat pump is a close second. If you have a long-term outlook, or you just want to install the most efficient system possible, a geothermal heat pump solution might be the best fit for your home. Some geothermal heat pumps can be 30-40% more efficient than the top of the line “air-source” heat pumps, and they can provide hot water too.

In Philadelphia, PA, our team of professional heat pump installers will keep your home comfortable year-round. Our residential heat pump service is unparalleled, leveraging years of experience to ensure optimal performance of your system. Choose us for efficient, reliable, and swift services that meet your every heating and cooling need.

W.F. Smith HVAC testimonial

W F Smith did an excellent job. Dave Smith visited out home twice to discuss installation options, and to assure our understanding of the equipment options

Heat Pump FAQs

What brand or model should I install?

The only way to get a meaningful recommendation is to set an appointment with the professionals at W.F. Smith. When we come to your home, our heat pump experts will evaluate all aspects of your home and your preferences to recommend the right system for your needs and budget.

Isn’t it too cold here for heat pumps?

That is a common misconception, but it is simply not true. They work more efficiently in a warmer climate, but more than 70% of our normal heating season is above 32 degrees (the record setting cold we have been experiencing so far this winter is obviously not the norm) so there is ample opportunity for savings. We can set up your system as “dual fuel” so your system automatically switches over from heat pump to your oil, propane, or natural gas system when needed.

Do they make a model for my baseboard or radiator heat system?

No, but there are options for you too. Ductless split systems and/or adding ductwork to your home can be accomplished in most cases. We’ve had great success customizing solutions to meet homeowner needs using a combination of ducted and ductless split heat pump systems.

Can we install one using my AC ductwork if my air handler is in the attic?

Yes, but there may be additional work needed to modify the ductwork system to distribute heat properly or there simply may be limitations to the performance. We try to make sure there are realistic expectations if not making modifications as it can be hard to heat from above.

Do you install heat pump water heaters?

We would certainly recommend them if we were further south, but the return on investment is hard to quantify in our climate since they are taking heat out of the house more than six months a year.

Contact us today if you need heat pump services in Philadelphia, PA, and let us keep your home always warm and ready.