Ambient Air Solutions Blog: Archive for the ‘Heat Pumps’ Category

Ductless Mini Splits Pros & Cons

Monday, April 1st, 2024
Air conditioner blowing cold air

If you’ve been considering a ductless mini split installation, you’re not alone. These systems have skyrocketed in popularity not only here in Belgrade, MT, but around the world as well. Although there’s no doubt that these systems can handle the challenges posed by extreme winter temperatures, some homeowners still wonder whether these systems are right for them. 

If you’re not sure that a ductless mini split can handle both your heating and cooling needs, keep reading! We’ll go over a definitive list of ductless mini split system pros and cons so you can decide if the initial expense is worth the lifelong savings you’ll enjoy through superior performance and energy efficiency.

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It’s Time to Think About Scheduling Heat Pump Maintenance

Monday, February 19th, 2024
mom-dad-two-kids-look-out-window-at-snow

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, by now you probably know that we recommend heat pump maintenance twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall. That’s because heat pumps need maintenance before the start of the cooling season and heating season.

However, here in Bozeman, MT, our heating season runs longer than in other parts of the country. Homeowners could very well start using their heat pumps in September for heating and not make the switch to cooling power until May! That means your heat pump’s heating season could very well be nine months long.

That’s why you could need heat pump maintenance before the official arrival of spring. Keep reading to learn why it’s time to think about scheduling heat pump service.

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Ducted Vs Ductless Heat Pumps: What’s the Difference?

Monday, February 5th, 2024
giant-blue-circle-with-white-question-mark-inside

When reading about HVAC systems, the terminology can be confusing to the average layperson. We often get questions about heat pumps from confused homeowners who have searched online for options to keep their homes cool and “heat pump” comes up.

Other common questions include, “What’s the difference between a heat pump and a mini split?” and “What’s the difference between ducted and ductless heat pumps?” We’re going to answer these questions so you can be a smart consumer when deciding on heat pump installation in Gallatin County, MT.

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Why Won’t My Heat Pump Switch Modes?

Monday, September 4th, 2023
a temperature gauge showing just the right temperature

It’s Labor Day and that means you’re probably giving one last hurrah to summer. Unlike some parts of the country that will continue to enjoy warm and sunny weather, here in Montana, Labor Day weekend means fall is just around the corner. And that means you’ll soon be using your heating system.

If your home uses a heat pump system for heating your home, you’ll be making the switch from cooling to heating. But what if you try and switch your heat pump from cooling to heating mode, only to discover it’s still outputting cold air? This is actually a common problem with heat pumps, so don’t worry. Read on to learn what might be going on with your heat pump.

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What Are Cold Climate Heat Pumps?

Monday, August 21st, 2023

Many homeowners in Montana wonder if a heat pump will be enough to heat their homes on the coldest winter days. A popular option for homeowners who want a heat pump but who don’t have a backup heating source like a fireplace has been a dual-fuel system. This consists of a heat pump along with a backup heating source such as a furnace. 

However, cold climate heat pumps are being designed to work in climates such as ours where temperatures are in the single digits for many days of the year. Cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) go by several names including high efficiency heat pumps and cold weather heat pumps. Let’s learn more about these systems below so you can decide if heat pump installation is right for you. 

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Yes, Your Mini Split Needs Maintenance

Monday, July 10th, 2023
dirty-ductless-mini-split-filter

If you have a mini split AC, you’ve undoubtedly been enjoying its cooling power and the zone control it brings to your home. Although it might seem like your mini split will quietly hum along forever without any need for servicing, it’s still a complex piece of equipment that requires regular maintenance to keep performing well.

Although mini split tune-ups should be performed by a professional HVAC company twice a year, there are a few maintenance tasks you can–and should be doing–as a homeowner.  Let’s go over the tasks you can complete and also what happens during professional maintenance. These maintenance tasks are essential to the continued functionality of your mini split.

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Are Heat Pumps Suitable for Montana’s Winters?

Monday, June 12th, 2023

While heat pumps have surged in popularity over the last few years, some misinformation about them has also increased. Perhaps it’s because the name “heat pump” is a bit of a misnomer.

Some people think they “pump heat” and that’s all they do when in fact they supply both heating and cooling. And the heat being pumped isn’t the heat it’s delivering to a home. Heat pumps tap into ambient air, extract heat from that air, and move it into the home.

That leads us to one of the biggest misconceptions about heat pumps: that they don’t work well in cold-weather climates. Many people wonder, how can a heat pump extract heat from the air when it’s below freezing?

Even on a day with below-freezing temperatures, there’s still enough heat in the air for a heat pump to work effectively. According to the city of Bozeman’s website, “Even in cold air, there is still heat available. Heat pump technology has significantly advanced in recent years. Some cold climate heat pumps can operate at temperatures down to -15° F. When selecting a heat pump, it’s important to ensure you’re selecting a cold climate heat pump.”

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Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repairs

Monday, May 1st, 2023
older-woman-on-couch-relaxing-with-heat-pump-on-wall

After the cold and frigid winter we’ve had, many Montana homeowners are ready to make the switch from heating their homes to cooling them down.

If you use a heat pump to both heat and cool your home, it’s important to know the signs that your heat pump’s performance is suffering.

A heat pump is the workhorse of your home, working year round to provide your family with comfortable temperatures. To avoid an unexpected interruption of service, be aware of these signs that mean you need heat pump repair in Gallatin County, MT.

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Meet the Mini HVAC Wonder: The Mini Split

Monday, March 20th, 2023

Many homeowners have heard of heat pumps, but not as many have heard of mini splits. These mini wonders are gaining in popularity not just in the US, but around the world.

Once you know that a mini split is a type of ductless heat pump, you’ll get a sense of why they’re so popular. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling and 2-in-1 systems are a sought-after option for homeowners looking to replace two systems with one.

Perhaps you’ve been wondering if a mini split HVAC in Gallatin County, MT is the right choice for your home. We’re here to tell you the ductless mini split could very well be the system you didn’t know your home needed. Read on to learn about these mini wonders.

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