Heat Pumps & Crawlspace Vents
Q: People have told me that in the winter time I should switch my heat pump over to emergency heat. True or False?
A: False. Simply put, most modern systems can run in heat pump mode down to zero degrees before becoming less efficient than the electric furnace back up. Heat pump users save approximately 40% over electric furnace users. Switching off your heat pump to use emergency heat can be very costly for winter heating bills.
Q: It’s a big deal to close crawlspace vents in winter months? True or False?
A: True. It really is a big deal. Air movement accelerates heat loss. Two things happen when you leave your crawlspace vents open through the winter months that can make significant impacts on your heating costs.
- Cold wind blows through your crawl space pulling heat away from your underfloor and moving it outside.
- Cold air from your crawlspace can move through the interior of your home. When cold air is pulled in from the floor your warm air is lost to the attic. When your crawlspace is buttoned up tight this kind of air movement is greatly reduced.
Do you have questions about energy efficiency in your home? If so, our energy experts have the answers. Visit our website at www.franklinpud.com and click on Energy Efficiency, or for detailed information, give our Energy Services Department a call at 509-546-5967.