Heating and Air Conditioning (cont., pg. 3)

 

Because a heat pump does not use a combustible heat source, it cannot produce air as warm as that from an oil or gas furnace.


It is, therefore, probably not the best choice for the coldest climates.  But heat pumps can work very well in moderate to warm climate areas.

Heat pumps come with resistant heat elements for supplemental heat in extreme cold.  Some are available with gas backup.

Most two-story homes that use heat pumps will have separate units for each floor.

The air handler for the second floor can be placed in the attic. 

The first floor air handler must be placed somewhere within the first floor living space  (if there is no basement).  Make sure that your floor plan accounts for this in the design.