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Author: jgowans

What is the difference between an induction cooktop and an electric cooktop?

Written by jgowans on . Posted in Common Questions.

Induction is a type of electric cooktop. Other electric cooktop types are the coil-type, which are very common, and the flat surface radiant type. The latter is more efficient than the coil-type, and as the name implies, it transfers heat by radiating it (rather than conduction) from the heating elements below the smooth ceramic surface to the cookware, with very little warming of the surrounding air. Radiant cooktops are cheaper than induction but not as fast or efficient. Both are easy to clean because of the smooth surface of the cooktop. With induction, the cooktop itself does not heat up, so it is even safer to use and to clean.

What are the benefits of induction cooking?

Written by jgowans on . Posted in Common Questions.

Induction cooking offers several benefits compared to cooking with gas or propane. It is safer because there are no direct flames and no fire hazard. It is healthier because there are no emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. And induction also heats up food quicker than with gas or propane. Induction cooktops are also very easy to clean, because they are smooth, and the cooking surface itself does not get hot.

Is induction cooking safe?

Written by jgowans on . Posted in Common Questions.

Yes, induction cooking is very safe, because there are no flames, and the cookware and contents heat up, but the cooktop surface itself does not get hot.

What is a heat pump, and how do they work?

Written by jgowans on . Posted in Common Questions.

Air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) are essentially reversible air conditioners. Just like an air-conditioner, in the summer they transfer heat from the air inside your home to the outside. In the winter they transfer and “concentrate” heat from outside air to heat your home.

What are the different types of heat pumps?

Written by jgowans on . Posted in Common Questions.

Air-source heat pumps are the most common (see question number 1). Ground-source heat pumps use water in underground pipes as the heat source (or sink), rather than air. They are more expensive than ASHPs but are also more efficient. Ground-source heat pumps can be used for larger homes, for homes in colder climates (such as Colorado mountain areas), or for multi-family buildings or schools.

There are also “air-to-water” heat pumps, which are air-source heat pumps that transfer heat from the heat pump to water rather than to provide warm air. These systems are less common, but can be used to provide hot water for radiant heating systems.

Is a heat pump a good idea for my home?

Written by jgowans on . Posted in Common Questions.

Whether a heat pump makes sense for your home depends on your current heating system, location, etc. Installing a new heat pump system will not be cost-effective in some situations. Please see the Heat Pump Resources section above.

What are the disadvantages of heat pumps?

Written by jgowans on . Posted in Common Questions.

Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, and they work very well for both, if designed and installed properly. However, a new heat pump does cost more than replacing a furnace. If your home has a natural gas furnace or boiler and is comfortable in the summer without air conditioning, then a heat pump may not make economic sense for you. On the other hand, heat pumps only cost slightly more than a central air-conditioning (AC) system. So, if you want to add AC to your home or need to replace your existing AC, choosing a heat pump makes a lot of sense, especially with utility rebates and federal tax credits. The heat pump will keep your home cool in the summer, while also helping to heat your home in the winter, with the same or lower heating costs and much lower carbon emissions.

What is a cold-climate heat pump?

Written by jgowans on . Posted in Common Questions.

Cold-climate heat pumps achieve better energy performance at colder temperatures than standard heat pumps, and they are designed for higher efficiency over the entire range of winter temperatures. The best cold-climate heat pumps provide 70-80 percent of the heat pump’s maximum heating capacity at temperatures as low as 5 degrees F.