What is an air-to-air heat pump?
Heat pumps can be used for heating and cooling in your home as well as for dehumidification and domestic hot water. The heat source is a compressor run by electricity, and heat may be drawn from ambient air, a water body, the ground (geo-thermal), and ventilation air. The air-to-air heat pump provides warmth through the transfer of heat from the ambient air using of a refrigerant (HCFC or freon). When outside temperature falls below freezing, the air-to-air heat pumps use electricity to operate as a resistance heater as back-up and therefore less desirable in colder climate. Air-to-air heat pumps are commonly attached to forced warm air heating distribution systems, though radiant floor hot water distribution systems can also be used. To help you select a high-efficiency heat pump, look for the Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio and the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). In the Lower Mainland area, the HSPF range is optimal making it an ideal location for the air-source heat pump
