Air Exchange

Heat pumps are an excellent choice for heating and cooling in Kansas City. An air-to-air heat pump (sometimes called an air exchange heat pump by heating contractors) operates just like a standard air conditioner in the summer, but also heats your home in winter through the use of a reversing valve.

A heat pump cools your home in summer by moving (“pumping”) warm, humid air outside. In winter, the heat pump’s reversing valve switches operations so that it extracts heat from the outside air and moves it into your home.

A heat pump will usually keep up with the entire heating load when the outside temperature is above freezing. When the temperature drops below freezing, your home’s furnace (if you have one) will compensate. This combination of a heat pump and furnace is called a dual-fuel system by heating contractors and is highly recommended for heating and cooling in Kansas City.

When a heat pump is the sole heating source for the home – as in many all-electric subdivisions or rural areas – heat pumps utilize electric resistant heating strips for supplemental heat.

Heat pumps are rated just like air conditioners for cooling efficiency, and are available from 13 SEER to 21 SEER. For heating efficiency, heat pumps are rated by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). Like SEER and AFUE ratings, the higher the number, the greater the heat pump’s efficiency, which means more energy savings. Today’s models are required to have a 6.8 HSPF or better.

Heat pumps are considered ideal for the Midwest climate by heating contractors, as the air exchange capabilities are maximized during our long spring and fall seasons. United recommends that a heat pump always be installed with a furnace for maximum comfort.

United offers Standard, Deluxe and Premium heat pumps.

The benefits of a heat pump to the homeowner are:

• Optimal efficiency in heating and cooling
• More even heating and cooling throughout your home
• Rebates and/or reduced electric rates are offered on heat pumps from most electric utility companies