Heat pumps and mini splits have gained popularity as an energy-efficient and all-electric alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. However, a common misconception persists: do heat pumps really dry out your home? At CARJON, we've been providing high-performance HVAC services throughout Rhode Island since 1989, and we're here to dispel this myth and highlight the numerous benefits of heat pumps, including effective humidity control.
Understanding Heat Pumps & Humidity
Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another, either from outside to inside during winter or vice versa during summer. This process is highly efficient and can significantly reduce your energy bills. But what about humidity?
The concern about heat pumps drying out your home's air mainly stems from the winter months. In reality, heat pumps do not dry out the air more than other heating systems. The perception of dryness is often due to the natural decrease in humidity levels during colder weather, not because of the heat pump itself. Low indoor humidity, regardless of its cause, can lead to various issues such as:
Skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation
Nosebleeds
Asthma and allergy attacks
Cracked wood floors and cabinets
Makes the air feel colder than it is
However, these problems are not directly caused by heat pumps but rather by the overall low humidity levels typical of cold weather.
Additional Heat Pump Benefits
Beyond humidity control, heat pumps offer numerous advantages:
Year-Round Comfort - With the ability to both heat and cool your home, heat pumps can be used to keep your home comfortable throughout every season of the year.
Energy Savings - Heat pumps move heat in or out of your home, they don't create it like traditional furnaces and boilers. This means heat pumps are significantly more efficient.
All-Electric Operation - Heat pumps don’t use fossil fuel combustion, meaning they eliminate your risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
Versatility - Heat pumps can either connect directly to your home’s central duct system or operate without the need for ducts at all with mini splits.
Live in a World of Total Comfort with CARJON
At CARJON, we're committed to helping Rhode Island homeowners achieve optimal indoor comfort. Our expert team can assess your home's specific needs and recommend the best solutions, whether it's a high-performance heat pump installation or something else. We offer other solutions to dry indoor air as well, including whole-home humidifiers, regular heating maintenance, and more.
