Heating and Cooling Systems - What You Should Know About Heat Pumps

Many homes have been equipped with heat pumps as their heating and cooling systems. Heat pump works well at most temperatures; however, in extreme temperatures they may not provide the comfort level you expect. The following are some operating and maintenance tips to help establish realistic expectations about Heat Pump and maintain the system at peak energy efficiency and operating effectiveness.

Heat pumps absorb heat from one location and relay it to another. In air conditioning mode, they absorb heat from inside the house and transfer it to the outside. In heating mode, they absorb heat from outside and transfer it indoors. This process works when the external temperature is between about 40 and 95 degrees F. It is more difficult for the system to maintain a comfortable internal temperature when the external temperature is beyond this range. Older systems and systems that are poorly maintained may have narrows outside the temperature range within which they can maintain comfortable internal temperatures.

Heat Pump, like any heating and cooling system, should be the right size for the home. A common misconception about heat pumps is that a larger system is always better; Very bad indeed. A heat pump that is too large cannot run long in air conditioning mode to effectively remove moisture from the air. This can cause moisture control problems that can mold growth. A Heat Pump is less energy efficient when it starts working and does not reach full energy efficiency for several minutes. A heat pump that runs for a short duration costs more to run and can have a useful life.

Heat Pumps are less effective in cold weather. When the outside temperature drops below about 40 ° F, the heat pump may not be able to lift the internal temperature to a comfortable level. Heat pumps in cooler weathers are equipped with auxiliary heating elements. These elements look and act like red glowing stars in a toaster. Like their cousins ​​in a toaster, these elements provide extra heat to help bring the temperature inside to a normal level. Because it is difficult to know if these elements are functioning properly, you should test them as part of normal system maintenance.

A Heat Pump must sustain a comfortable indoor temperature. The International Residential Code (IRC) heating performance standard requires that the system maintain an in-house temperature of at least 68 degrees F. There is no performance standard for cooling in IRC. The heating performance standard of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is 70 ° F and the cooling standard is 78 ° F or 15 ° C below the outdoor air temperature of 95 ° F. States and cities may have different standards. The standard performance temperature is often measured near the center of the room and approximately five feet above the floor.

The IRC and NAHB standards are not clear about temperature variations between regions in the home, but it is reasonable to expect that the temperature in each region is near the temperature on the thermostat. Some temperature variation between regions is common and unavoidable. It is advisable to allow one or two degrees of temperature variance between regions.

The operation of a Heat Pump is similar to the operation of any forced air HVAC system. In most cases, the thermostat settings recommended for heat pumps are 68 ° F in winter and 78 in summer. These settings provide energy efficient operation at appropriate comfort levels.

The use of setback thermostats is not generally recommended with heat pumps, especially in heat mode. Heat pumps are often designed so that in the heating mode, if there is a difference of about 3 or more degrees between the thermostat setting and the air temperature, the auxiliary heating elements will be activated. Heat elements are more expensive to run than heat pumps, so the use of heat strips should be avoided.

Heat Pump maintenance begins with regular filter replacement. If you choose disposable filters, use inexpensive blue or white fiberglass mesh types. More expensive pleated paper may restrict air flow in the filter system making it work longer. Change these filters every month.

If you have an access tube in the condensate drain line on the air handler, insert about half cup of bleach into the line when replacing the filter. This will help keep the line clean and reduce the likelihood that it will hold water in your home. If you do not have an access tube, consider having one installed on the next service call.

Use a garden hose to wash the feathers on the condenser (external unit) approximately once per month. Keep walls and plants at least 1 foot from the sides and 10 feet from the top of the compaction. Keep the condenser shaded to the extent practicable by direct sunlight.

Finally, preventive maintenance service is performed on the system at least once per year.

Like all mechanical components, heat pumps wear out. The condenser usually lasts between 5 and 15 years. Air handlers mostly last between 15 and 20 years.

Heat Pumps are a good option for heating and cooling in hot climates where gas service is not available. A gas furnace is usually the more cost-effective option where gas service is available. Heat pumps can provide energy efficient service for many years if properly installed, operated and maintained.