Westinghouse heat pump prices, pros and cons

A Westinghouse heat pump can help take some of the complications out of choosing a system. They provide both a heating and home cooling solution for moderate climates in a single split device.

A Westinghouse heat pump works using the same cooling principles as most centralized air conditioner (AC) models.

During warmer days, Westinghouse heat pumps collect heat from the warm air within the home and move it through the duct system outside the house, where it is dissipated. During colder days, the outside pump mechanism extracts warm air from outdoors and pumps it through the ducts into the home, warming the interior temperature.

The effectiveness of the heat pump is limited however, as it can make only small adjustments to temperature without aid.

To help with cooling, an air handler is often added to help distribute colder air throughout the house evenly and quickly. In addition, a furnace can be added to increase heat.

When choosing a heat pump air conditioner, it's important to take note of both the model's seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) as well as its heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) .

The SEER denotes the efficiency of the cooling capability of the heat pump by dividing the cooling output of the unit by the amount of energy it uses to produce that cooling power. Higher SEERS indicate more efficient models using less energy to cool your home. For a new heat pump to be marketed in the U.S., it must have a SEER of 13 or over.

Westinghouse currently supplies multiple heat pump air conditioning models, all with SEERs of over 13, with one reaching as high as a SEER 22. The higher the SEER rating, the more costly the unit.

The HSPF rating is an efficiency rating much like the SEER, only it measures the heating efficiency of a unit. The higher the rating, the more efficient the heat pumps are, along with being more costly. By U.S. law, new units must have a 7.7 HSPF. Westinghouse has models available with an HSPF as high as 10.

A heat pump can provide heating and cooling in extreme climates - If you live in such a climate however, a heat pump is not recommended for you. You could pair it with other HVAC systems to provide more adequate cooling and heating, but this would also increase costs.

When considering a purchase, you should contact various contractors to give you an accurate installation estimate that includes not only the heat pump, but also any air handler, furnace or additional duct work needed as well.

Your new Westinghouse heat pump will provide you with a comfortable home. Get started today!