Get matched with top heating oil pros in Onawa, IA

There are three main types of heat pumps. An air-source heat pump system is the most common and has two parts—an indoor air handler unit and an outdoor heat pump unit. A ductless heat pump system functions similarly to an air-source heat pump system but doesn’t need ductwork to distribute the air. A geothermal heat pump system pulls heat from the ground to help heat your home.

Yes, geothermal heat pumps are worth the money. You can save about 70% on heating costs in the winter and around 50% on cooling costs in the summer with a geothermal heat pump compared to a traditional HVAC system. Over time, your savings on monthly utilities will pay for the cost of the geothermal heat pump installation. If you have an incredibly small yard, however, you may not have enough space for this type of system.

It’s a better use of energy (and your money) NOT to run an ERV system all the time. Most experts recommend that you cycle your ERV system on and off throughout the year. However, the recommended advice could change based on your climate, the number of people in your home, the size and style of your home, and your heating and cooling system. Contact a local pro for more specific advice.

Most HVAC companies charge a flat service call fee of between $75 and $150, which includes traveling to your home and inspecting your system to find the underlying problem. Keep in mind that these prices only include diagnostics and the actual repairs will usually be billed separately. If you’re calling for routine service, the service call will be included in your inspection and tune-up, with the total sitting around $150. Your prices could be a little higher if you have a very large home with multiple condensers and air handlers, as inspections and servicing take longer.