Sunset Air Blog: Archive for the ‘Heat Pumps’ Category

Gas Furnace Vs Heat Pump: Which Is Better?

Monday, December 25th, 2023
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Homeowners in Olympia, WA have an important decision to make when it’s time to replace their heating systems: do you go with a gas furnace or an electric heat pump? You may be on the fence about making the switch despite the many incentives to purchase a heat pump.

You’ve always relied on a furnace for heat and need to know how furnaces stack up against heat pumps. Let’s go over the pros and cons of both systems so you can be an informed consumer when it’s time to make the decision. 

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Help! My Heat Pump Isn’t Blowing Hot Air

Monday, December 11th, 2023
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Do you have a heat pump in your Olympia, WA home? If so, you’re likely very happy with its performance. A heat pump’s ability to work as both a heater and an air conditioner is quite impressive. That is, until the day when it stops functioning as the one thing you need it to be! 

When it’s cold outside and your heat pump isn’t blowing hot air, that’s a frustrating situation. You may be wondering what could possibly be the reason. There are several possibilities. From a faulty reversing valve to a clogged air filter, let’s go over the most common reasons why a heat pump would be unable to generate heat.

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Heat Pump Incentives and Rebates Available to Washington State Homeowners

Monday, October 2nd, 2023

If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system and have your eye on a heat pump, you may be deterred by the upfront expense. Well, Washington State wants to help you make the conversion from a gas furnace to an electric heat pump by offering rebates in conjunction with Puget Sound Energy. 

If you’re an existing PSE customer and get a heat pump installed in your existing home (new construction is not eligible), you can receive up to $2,400 in rebates through Puget Sound Energy when you switch from a natural gas furnace to a qualifying ducted heat pump system OR switch from natural gas heating to a qualifying ductless heat pump system.

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3 Common Heat Pump Repairs and How to Avoid Them

Monday, August 21st, 2023

If you’ve converted to a heat pump after owning a central furnace or air conditioner, you’re undoubtedly happy with its performance. More and more homeowners are switching to these two-in-one systems with little regret about their decision. 

Although it may seem like your shiny new heat pump will never experience problems, it’s still a major HVAC system that needs routine maintenance and the occasional repair every now and then. Let’s go over some common heat pump repairs and what causes them so you can avoid the need for frequent heat pump repair.

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The Difference Between Ducted and Ductless Heat Pumps

Monday, August 7th, 2023

If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, with all the innovations being made in the world of HVAC lately, you’ve probably heard a lot of different terms and might be wondering what they all mean. For example, you might’ve heard of this “heat pump” that is an air conditioner. Or a “mini split” that is both an air conditioner and a heater.

The real confusion comes when people ask us if they should get a mini split or a heat pump installed. In a nutshell, a mini split IS a ductless heat pump. Most of the time! Are you confused already? Let’s clear up any confusion with a deeper explanation. That way, you can be an informed consumer when it’s time to pull the trigger on a new system. 

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How Long Will a Heat Pump Last?

Monday, June 26th, 2023
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So you’re considering getting a heat pump installed. You’ve heard a lot of good things about heat pumps, but there are still a lot of questions on your mind. You may be wondering:

  • What’s involved with a heat pump installation? 
  • How long will a heat pump last compared to other HVAC systems? 
  • Does it REALLY provide both heating and cooling?

Let’s answer any questions that might be lingering in your mind when it comes to heat pumps so you can decide if heat pump installation is right for you.

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Why Does My Heat Pump Need Twice-a-Year Maintenance?

Monday, June 12th, 2023
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When you suspect you need heat pump repair, you might be wondering if it’s because of “user error.” As a homeowner, there are certain things you can do that’ll help prevent your equipment from breaking down. 

You might be wondering why we’re talking about heat pump repairs in a blog about maintenance. It’s because the two are interconnected. Let’s take a look at why a heat pump needs bi-annual maintenance and how getting this important service done is something that’ll stave off repairs.

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What’s The Difference Between Heat Pumps & Mini Splits?

Monday, March 20th, 2023

We don’t get to say this very often, but it’s an especially exciting time in the world of HVAC! There have been so many innovations in technology and incentives being offered that you might’ve seen some HVAC headlines in the news recently.

If you’ve done any research lately about these “new” HVAC systems that are available, you might be incredibly confused by all the terminology. Central heat pumps, ductless heat pumps, mini splits, and geothermal heat pumps are just some of the terms you’ve undoubtedly encountered in your search.

Combine this with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the state rebates that are available and savvy homeowners will want to learn about their options and why there’s never been a better time to upgrade your HVAC system.

To be an informed consumer, you need to know all your options. Let’s break down the terminology you’ve been hearing about so you’ll have all your ducks in a row when it’s time to upgrade. 

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Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

Monday, February 20th, 2023
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Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve been known to use our heating systems through the spring until “Juneuary.” That means that in February, we’re quite often only halfway through the heating season.

If you use a heat pump to heat your home, by now you’ve probably got a good idea of how it’s been performing. 

If your heat pump’s performance has been lackluster, it might be time to call us for heat pump repair in Olympia, WA. It’s easier to ignore mediocre performance than it is to ignore a flat-out breakdown in service.

Those small issues can become large problems if they’re not addressed right away. Let’s go over the signs that mean your heat pump is struggling and when they warrant scheduling service.

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Why Ductless Heat Pumps Are Perfect for Pacific Northwest Homes

Monday, February 6th, 2023

Ductless heat pumps are an ideal 2-in-1 heating and cooling option for our mild climate here in the Pacific Northwest. If your home is due for a new heating system, and if you’ve been thinking about adding an air conditioner for our increasingly hot summers, these systems could be exactly what you need for year-round comfort. If you’re not aware of the many advantages of heat pumps, read on to learn what makes these systems so special.

It helps to know how a traditional HVAC system works in order to know how heat pumps are different. 

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