Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps

There is a lot to be learned in a name. When you hear the term “heat pump” it doesn’t get much more descriptive than that. A heat pump is simply a device that pumps heat from one place to another. When it comes to your home, a heat pump operates to extract heat from the outdoor air in the heating season and pumps it inside to an air delivery system that efficiently and quietly heats your home. In the summer months, the system does the opposite by extracting heat from the indoor air and delivers it to the outdoor unit where it is dispersed, creating a cool and dehumidified indoor environment. At RSC, we have been designing, installing, servicing and maintaining heat pumps in the Lancaster County and surrounding areas for nearly 30 years. We can evaluate your home’s heating and cooling needs and custom match the perfect heat pump system to provide the indoor comfort you have always desired.

If you’re not sure about whether a heat pump is the right option for your home, then perhaps a little comparison would be helpful. Comparing our most efficient heat pump model to other sources of heat is the first step. At today’s delivered electric cost of $0.14 per kWh, you would have to purchase your fuel oil at $1.25 per gallon; propane at $0.90 per gallon and natural gas at $1.00 per therm to be on an even playing field with our new heat pumps. When was the last time you purchased fuel oil for $1.25 per gallon?

Heat pumps offer other distinct advantages: they provide very efficient low cost cooling to the entire home; flexible and in most cases easy installation; reduced temperature fluctuations between rooms and floors as our best systems vary the output capacity to keep your home at a very even temperature; and superior summertime dehumidification.

One of the most frequent misconceptions we hear is that a heat pump doesn’t work well in Pennsylvania. When you choose RSC to install your heat pump system, we make sure it is properly sized for your home to meet your comfort expectations. We evaluate your duct system and make recommendations and changes for improved performance and efficiency, and most importantly we always take the utmost care in preparing, installing and commissioning the new system to ensure peak performance and longevity.

Heat Pump Repair

Although they are a very reliable, there are times when heat pump repair is needed to keep your system operational. Here are a few tell-tale signs to determine if your heat pump needs repair.

• If your home is not maintaining the thermostat set point.
• The home feels very muggy even when the cooling is on.
• Reduced air flow from the registers.
• The auxiliary heat indicator light is frequently active.
• The emergency heat indicator light is active.
• There is an unusual sound coming from the indoor or outdoor unit.
• Ice build-up exceeding ¼” on the outdoor coils during the heating season.
• Visible Ice build-up where the refrigerant lines tie into the indoor system.
• High energy bills.

There are many situations that would require heat pump repair, if you experience any of the items listed above or anything that seems unusual, your best course of action is to call RSC at (717) 299-3914. We will dispatch one of our NATE Certified technicians to promptly and accurately diagnose your system’s problems and provide a no surprise price for repair. In most cases, heat pump repair can be made during the initial service visit. We service and maintain all brands of heat pump systems and are available 365 days per year.

 

Heat Pump Replacement

There comes a time in the life of every mechanical device that it must be retired. We have found that the average heat pump system lasts approximately 15 years before a significant decline in performance is noticed. Over the years we have maintained and serviced heat pumps that have lasted over 20 years and we have replaced systems that didn’t make it to 10.

Something to consider when you are determining if it is time for heat pump replacement is the age of the system. Is your heat pump over 10 years old? If so, any warranty for repair has been exhausted and any significant repair would be reason to weigh the benefits of replacement vs. repair. With overall improvements in efficiency and comfort delivery of a new heat pump, making a repair over replacement could delay the inevitable and postpone the energy savings you would begin receiving. Postponing replacement could be costing you more than you realize.

If you find you’re in need of having your heat pump replaced or evaluated for replacement, call the award winning experts at RSC (717) 299-3914. Our Comfort Consultants will evaluate your needs and recommend the perfect heat pump replacement. Our NATE Certified technicians will expertly install and commission your new system to ensure that your investment is operating at peak performance, saving you money and enhancing your comfort.

Whether you are seeking annual care for a heat pump through proper maintenance, in need of heat pump repair or considering heat pump replacement, turn to the experts at RSC. For the past 28 years, we have been serving all of Lancaster County communities including: Lancaster; Lititz; Ephrata; Elizabethtown; East Petersburg; Landisville; New Holland and many more.

Our reputation has been built on complete customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and providing finance options for every need including a wide array of financing plans for heat pump repair or replacement. Call RSC today to schedule an expert to your home.