Today's high-efficiency heat pump provides year-round comfort without the problems associated with early models. It has improvements such as increased heat exchanger coil sizes, variable-speed blower, two-stage compressors, thermostatic expansion valves and sophisticated electronic controls. What was once known as a breakdown-prone noisy heating system that blew cold air has now become a reliable workhorse known for its comfortable heat and economical operation.

For most of the heating season, the heat generated by today's air source heat pumps exceeds by 2.5 to 4 times -- the energy it consumes! In mild southern regions, the heat pump is ideal. However, until recently, even in our relatively moderate climate, the high costs of supplemental electric resistance heating quickly overwhelmed the super-efficiency of heat pump operation. So, if you already had a fuel-burning system, your best choice was to stick with a similar replacement.

Recent dramatic increases in fuel prices make heat pump technology worthy of a second look, especially for those with existing forced hot-air systems. If you are considering a new central air conditioner, you should give serious thought to replacing it with a heat pump. This "hybrid" system wil rely on the economical heat pump for cooling and for heat during most of Lancaster's relatively mild heating season. It will turn to fuel burning only on those rare extra cold days. The additional installation costs which include new controls and duct work modifications in most cases will return to you in energy savings within the first three years. Then for the remaining 12 or more years of the heat pump's life, those extra savings will fall right into your pocket.

High efficiency vs. standard systems.