Cincinnati has a climate with four distinct seasons. This means that both your heating and cooling systems need to operate efficiently and without breaking down. If you need to replace your HVAC systems, rather than going through the hassle of upgrading both your air conditioner and furnace, consider installing one heat-pump system for efficient heating and cooling year-round.

Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one location to another. Like an air conditioner, they have coils with refrigerant. In winter, heat is drawn from the outside air, while in summer it is drawn from the air inside your home. Both processes use the air that the system finds, moves it through the coils, and then generates cooled or warmed air. Because the system is not actually generating heat, it is much more efficient than a system that uses fuel combustion.

When deciding on a heat-pump system, consider the following factors:

• Efficiency: All systems have an efficiency rating: look for the Energy Factor (EF) rating for heating and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating for cooling. Like most home comfort systems, you may have to pay a little more for higher efficiency, but the reduction in monthly utility costs is often worth it.
• Size: Although it may be tempting to purchase a system that is over-sized, this will actually result in inefficiency, while a system that is too small will not meet your home comfort preferences. Work with a professional to determine the correct size before you buy.
• Cold Weather Options: Cincinnati winters often have extreme temperatures (below 30 degrees) that can impact the efficiency of electric heat pumps. Installing a dual-fuel system will ensure that you can meet your heating needs in winter, no matter how cold it gets, by using a back-up gas furnace on these days. Alternatively, you can purchase a system designed for colder climates.

Next time you are considering upgrading your home comfort system, call the professionals at JonLe Heating & Cooling to learn more about how high-efficiency heat pumps can help you save money. We also provide expert installation and preventive maintenance to keep costs low and minimize repairs.