The Pacific Northwest has a relatively mild climate (with a few cold winter days sprinkled in from time to time). When it comes to heating your home, you want to trust that your heating system is functioning properly and will reliably maintain a comfortable ambient temperature that’s appropriate for every season. Within the last several years, innovations and advancements in technology have allowed for a few welcome heating system alternatives to traditional boilers. In states like Oregon and Washington, there is a growing demand for more efficient, electrified systems that offer cleaner and smarter heating solutions for residents. For instance, air to water heat pump systems are an all-electric alternative to gas boilers and are particularly effective when they are paired with radiant heating systems or fan coils. Essentially, air to water heat pump systems function by transferring heat from the outdoor air into a water-based heating system. The heated water is then used to deliver heat through radiant floor systems, wall-mounted radiators, fan coil units. Additionally, the heated water can be used for any domestic hot water needs (such as showers, faucets, laundry, and more).
As you begin to explore your home heating system options in the Portland metro and Vancouver area, it’s worth discussing your goals with the heating experts at The Earth Heating. We are excited to work with you from start to finish, answering any questions you may have along the way. Once the installation is complete, we offer ongoing support for maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades to ensure that your investment continues to perform at peak efficiency for as long as possible. Let’s take a closer look at how installing an air to water system provides an energy efficient heating system for Oregon residents and some of the key benefits you can expect from moving forward with this option for heating your home.
What is an Air to Water Heat Pump?
Air to water heat pumps work by drawing out heat from the outdoor air. Once the heat is captured through a refrigerant and compressed to raise the temperature, the refrigerant is run through a heat exchanger, where the heat is transferred to the water in the heating system. While the refrigerant is condensed back into a liquid and sent back to capture more heat from the outside air, the heated water can begin circulating through the home’s heating system (via radiators, fan coils, or radiant floor systems).
Why Air to Water Heating For Pacific Northwest Homes Makes Sense
Air to water heat pumps work especially well in moderate climates. The efficiency of these systems reaches peak performance in places where the temperature does not fluctuate wildly, which makes homes in Oregon and Washington ideal for this type of heating system. In other words, the combination of Portland’s moderate winters and cooler summer temperatures leads to high efficiency and optimal performance in air to water heat pumps. Moreover, air to water heat pumps are able to deliver reliable performance even in damp and occasionally cold conditions.
Notable Benefits of Installing an Air to Water System
For those who have an air to water heating system installed, one advantage is the potential for considerable energy savings. Since air to water heat pumps work best in milder climates and are able to provide between three to five times more energy output than the electricity they consume, residents in the Portland and Vancouver areas may see a reduction in electricity use of up to 65 percent. Below are just a few of the additional benefits of using air to water heating systems as an HVAC upgrade in Portland and Vancouver.
Versatile Home Installation and Integration
When you have an air to water system installed, you do not have to completely replace your existing heating system. Instead, air to water units can be configured to support existing radiant floor or baseboard heaters. They can even be used to supplement the hot water heating system that’s already in your home, which makes them ideal for both retrofits and new construction projects.
Minimal Maintenance
These air to water heat pumps do not rely on burners, flames, or combustion systems, which means that there are fewer parts that require regular maintenance and inspection. Additionally, they tend to operate much more quietly than other units, making them an attractive option for those looking for more discreet and low maintenance heating options.
Earth-Friendly Heating Solutions
In addition to the substantial savings you can expect to see on your heating and hot water bills after installing an air to water heat pump, you can feel good about reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Air to water heat pump systems are highly energy efficient and minimize the environmental impact of keeping your home comfortable and cozy in every season.
Is a Heat Pump Radiant Floor System Right For Me?
As you start to explore your options for improving the performance and efficiency of your home heating system, it’s worth assessing whether an air to water heat pump aligns with your specific needs and goals. These systems work best for those looking to retrofit radiant floors or boilers or to replace gas boilers or eclectic resistance heaters with more efficient systems. New construction projects are also optimal opportunities for homeowners to have radiant zones and air to water heat pumps installed. No matter what your goals may be, you can trust that the highly qualified and knowledgeable heating professionals at The Earth Heating will support you at every step of the consultation, design, and installation process. We are committed to cultivating meaningful and lasting relationships with every client we serve so that we can be your go-to heating and cooling guides whenever the need arises.
If you are interested in upgrading your current home heating system, the dedicated and knowledgeable team of heating professionals at The Earth Heating is ready to help. We are committed to delivering exceptional customer service from start to finish to ensure that you are pleased with the outcome. Please get in touch with our Clackamas, Oregon office today at (503) 788-7777 to learn more about our services to clients throughout the Portland metro area (including Vancouver, Washington).
