When choosing a heating and air conditioning system for your home, there are a variety of equipment options available depending upon your home and location, but your needs and expectations are the most important factors when deciding what type of system will keep you and your family the most comfortable in the coming years.

(Of course, if you're thinking about replacing your system or trying to decide on a system for a new house, our Comfort Advisors are available to meet with you, discuss your needs and expectations and design a system specifically for you.)

A Heat Pump is a heating and air conditioning unit

that regulates temperature by moving air.

Heat Pumps are split systems. That is, they are made up of an outdoor (condensing) unit and an indoor unit (coil). Like a refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm one (or vice versa).

For example, during the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the outdoors into your house.  Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide up to 4 times the amount of energy they consume.

For homes without ducts, air-source heat pumps are also available

in a ductless version called a mini-split heat pump.

Like standard air-source heat pumps, mini splits have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. Ductless, mini-split-system heat pumps (mini splits) make good add ons to houses with "non-ducted" heating systems, such as hydronic (hot water heat), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane). They can also be a good choice for room additions, where extending or installing distribution ductwork is not feasible. The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rates a heat pump's efficiency like Miles Per Gallon (MPG) measures the fuel efficiency of your car:
 

	The higher the SEER, the more efficient your equipment is.
	As of January 2006, 13 is the new minimum standard efficiency.
	In general, higher SEER equipment costs more than lower SEER equipment.  However, over the life span of the system, energy savings will help offset the initial cost.
	High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in summer months.