Heat Pump Buying Guide

Despite their name, heat pumps do much more than heating. They also provide air conditioning and humidity control. During the summer season, a Heat Pump transfers heat from the cold road to your home; Then during the cold season, it transfers heat from your home to a warm place on the road. Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it, so they can heat and cool for a much lower cost than other systems, such as furnaces and central air conditioners.

Types of Heat Pumps

There are three main types of heat pumps - air sources, split ductless and geothermal. All Heat Pump systems must be installed by a professional heating and cooling technician who can determine the appropriate size and correct product for your home and climate.

What to Know Before You Buy Heat Pump

Climate

The new Heat Pump work systematically in many parts of the country, but especially in places without large changes in temperature and without the need for moderate heating and cooling. But if you live in an area with extremely cold temperatures, below 10 ° F to 25 ° F depending on the system size, you will need an auxiliary heating system.

Energy Efficiency

Cooling efficiency for air source systems and split ductless systems is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Index). The heating efficiency of air-source and ductless-split systems is measured by HSPF (heat seasonal performance factor).

In warm climates, a high SEER is more important, but in cold climates, a higher HSPF is preferable. The cooling efficiency of a geothermal Heat Pump is measured by its thermal efficiency by EER (energy efficiency ratio) and COP (coefficient of performance).

Typically, the higher the rating, the higher the cost of the system. You can spend several thousand costs more for a more efficient heat pump. But, depending on where you live, you can save more on your utility bill by replacing your old heating and cooling system with an Energy Star-rated product.

Shape

Size is also important. If a Heat Pump is reduced or oversized, it does not heat or cool and will increase your energy bills. And your home may not feel comfortable. A unit that is too large will cost more on it, and will shorten its life several times and last longer.

The calculation takes into account the foundation of your home, the thickness of the wall, insulation values, windows, air filtration, and more.

Other Things

Do not buy a new Heat Pump until you make the rest of your home as energy efficient as possible, as this will allow you to purchase a smaller, less expensive system.

Key Features of Heat Pump

Noise Output

Fans and compressors can be noisy, so choose an air-source heat pump with a sound rating of 7.6 bells or less. In addition, locate the outdoor unit away from the windows and consider positioning it on a noise-absorbing basis. Also, protect the outdoor unit from strong winds, which can cause defrosting problems. Putting a bush or coil fence up will help.

Demand Defrost Control

Frost accumulation on the outdoor unit of the Heat Pump can disrupt energy efficiency and compromise indoor comfort. Therefore, select the model with demand-defrost control. This feature will reduce defrost cycle by making your system more energy and cost effective.

Reverse Bicycle Chiller

A Heat Pump with a reverse bicycle chiller allows you to pair it with several of heating and cooling distribution systems, and it can help make your home more comfortable. Technology can also reduce your winter electric bills, and is especially affordable in all-electric homes.