What is a water-to-air heat pump?
Water-to-air heat pumps transfer the underground heat energy from hot water to the indoor air distributed through a building’s ductwork. When a hotter material comes into contact with a colder one, this temperature difference causes heat to naturally move from hot to cold, so heat pumps are renewable and efficient. In the winter, water-to-air heat pumps supply forced-air heating; in the summer, they supply central AC.
What’s the difference between a water-to-air heat pump and a water-to-water heat pump?
Water-to-air heat pumps are only compatible with forced-air HVAC systems. Meanwhile, water-to-water heat pumps are only compatible with hydronic radiant HVAC systems like radiators, hot water baseboard heaters, and radiant floor heating.
Confused about which of the two heat pumps you need? You can determine this for yourself at home with a quick look at your current HVAC system. If you have a furnace for forced-air heat, then you’ll need a water-to-air heat pump; if you have a boiler for radiant heat, then you’ll need a water-to-water heat pump.
Water-to-air heat pumps can supply both heat and AC. However, water-to-water heat pumps can only supply heat or hot water for homes and businesses, not AC.
Where do “geothermal” heat pumps fit into all of this?
Water-to-air heat pumps and water-to-water heat pumps are both forms of “geothermal” heating and cooling. Home geothermal is a form of renewable energy because it utilizes heat that’s stored in the earth without burning any fossil fuels.
Does Dandelion install water-to-air heat pumps?
Yes, Dandelion currently exclusively installs water-to-air heat pumps, because they are generally easier and cheaper to install than water-to-water heat pumps and because it’s a two-in-one system for both heating and AC. As a result, the Dandelion heat pump is only compatible with homes that have ductwork for forced-air heating and/or central AC.
Does your home have ductwork? See if Dandelion is a good fit for your home.
