Why Heat Pumps Are a Smart Way to Stay Cool This Summer in St. Louis. When the summer heat hits St. Louis, the last thing you want is a system that can’t keep up. If you’ve been relying on an aging AC or you’re exploring better ways to stay cool and save energy, there’s one option more St. Louis homeowners are turning to: heat pumps.
Yes, they heat your home in winter — but modern heat pumps are also powerful, energy-efficient cooling machines for summer. Especially the latest variable capacity-driven models, which provide whisper-quiet, consistent comfort no matter how hot or humid it gets.
At its core, a heat pump is a super-smart system that moves heat instead of creating it. In summer, it pulls heat out of your home and releases it outdoors (just like a traditional air conditioner). In winter, it does the reverse.
Unlike older systems that constantly start and stop, many newer heat pumps use variable capacity, which can make your St. Louis home more quiet, comfortable, and energy efficient.
Traditional air conditioners — especially single-stage and two-stage models — tend to run like a light switch: either on or off. That constant cycling can waste energy and create temperature swings. A variable capacity heat pump, on the other hand, adjusts its power smoothly and continuously — kind of like your car’s cruise control. That means
Your home stays exactly where you want it — not too hot, not too cold, and without the noisy interruptions of a system cycling on and off.
St. Louis summers are both very hot and very humid. Excess moisture in the air makes you sweaty and makes your AC work harder.
Variable capacity heat pumps dehumidify more effectively than standard ACs. Instead of shutting off as soon as the temperature target is hit (like single- or two-stage systems), they run at low speeds for longer periods. That extended runtime gives your system more time to pull moisture out of the air, making your home feel:
And if you like to hang out on your porch or backyard in the evenings? You’ll love how quiet variable capacity heat pumps are. No more roaring outdoor compressors ruining your patio time.
In a word: absolutely.
Older heat pumps often weren’t up to task in colder climates, but today’s models — especially ENERGY STAR-certified variable capacity systems — are built for both hot summers and chilly winters. In fact, many SmartHouse customers use their heat pump year-round.
They’re especially great if:
And if you’re not sure what size or setup is best for your home? That’s what we’re here for.
At SmartHouse Heating & Cooling, we specialize in custom heat pump installations that match your home’s layout and comfort needs. We’ll walk you through the options, explain how variable capacity tech can improve your indoor climate, and make sure your system is installed for maximum efficiency.
Already have a heat pump? Ask us about our SmartCare maintenance plans — they’re designed to keep your system running at peak performance through the hottest – and coldest – months of the year.
If you’re ready to enjoy cooler, quieter, and more efficient summer comfort, it’s time to consider a heat pump — and we’d love to help. Give us a call at 314-370-1816, send a text to 314-310-2242, or book your appointment online with SmartHouse Heating & Cooling.
We’re here to keep your St. Louis home comfortable, no matter how high the temperature climbs.
