Commercial Heat Pumps in Kansas
Heat pumps are not only for residential applications, as many may assume. They can be an energy-efficient and economical HVAC alternative here in Kansas, to the traditional HVAC systems the majority of commercial buildings use. Many businesses trying to cut down on their energy costs, looking to leave a smaller carbon footprint as well, are looking to a heat pump to address this issue for them. Our knowledgeable B & C Mechanical technicians would be happy to discuss this option with you for your business to see if it’s a viable alternative.
Types of Heat Pumps
There are two main types of commercial heat pumps: air-source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps are the most commonly used. They owe their popularity to their lower costs and ease of installation, since they don’t require digging into the earth or extensive piping systems. These pumps acquire their heat from the outside air and move it inside. However, they do tend to lose their efficiency in temperatures below 40ºF/5ºC, where they require backup electrical heat for supplementation. In contrast, geothermal heat pumps offer either a ground-source or water-source system. Both geothermal options work on a similar principle. They rely on a system of closed-looped pipes buried underneath the ground for ground-source pumps or submerged in water for water-source pumps, to acquire the heat from either the steady temperatures of the ground or water. The pumps sustain their temperatures, not requiring a backup source, no matter the temperatures outside.
How Do They Work?
Essentially, heat pumps operate like a refrigerator. Using a network of looping pipes extending from the hot side to the cold, the gas in the loops condenses to liquid and then expands again. This moves the heat along where it’s needed––extracting it from where it’s not wanted and moving it to areas where it is, offering a cooling solution in the summer and heating in the winter. Just like a ceiling fan that reverses direction whether cooling or heating is needed, the liquid in the loops reverses direction depending on what’s needed.
Benefits
Heat pumps are an effective part of efficient HVAC systems, because simply moving heat from one area to another can use less energy than needing to generate heat. Here are just a few of the benefits of using a sustainable commercial heat pump instead of other heating and cooling means:
Significant savings on fuel bills as opposed to electric, oil, liquid gas, or solid fuel heating and cooling options. No consumption of an energy is used here, just extracting heat from the air, ground, or water. This all counters the initial installation cost, and savings can be recognized in a relatively short time.
Financial savings both on monthly operating costs and maintenance visits. Commercial heat pumps don’t need regularly scheduled technician visits. The loop system is a closed loop system and typically lasts 10 to 25 years, resulting in low repair costs and not needing to replace parts or the system for years and years.
Federal and state tax credits available upon installation, as well as rebates. These help to reduce the overall net cost of installation.
Happier employees due to improved air quality and low operating noise. Improved air quality means healthier employees. A lower operating noise won’t interfere with employee focus and operations.
Commercial heat pumps can serve both cooling and heating needs. Along with the benefits of energy efficiency, long-term cost savings, and happier-employee options, a commercial heat pump is a win-win solution for most businesses. Call us today to talk with one of our professionals to learn if a heat pump could be the right solution for you and your business.
B & C Mechanical is proud to offer commercial heating and cooling services to residents in Kansas and Missouri. In Kansas, our service ares include Olathe, Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Merriam, Mission, Kansas City, Roeland Park, and surrounding communities. In Missouri, our service areas include Blue Springs, Gladstone, Grandview, Independence, Lees Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Raytown, South Kansas City, and surrounding communities. Call us now at 913-681-0088 or request service online.