Don’t be fooled by the name, heat pumps do more than just heat. In addition, they also provide humidity control as well as air conditioning. During hot summer days, a heat pump transfers cool air from the outdoors and into your home.
And during winter and cooler seasons, a heat pump will pull heat from outside (even at low temperatures) and transfer it into the house. Instead of generating heat, Airquest by Carrier heat pumps are responsible for moving heat in and out of your home.
Heat Pump Types
There are different types of heat pumps; three to be specific:- Air source
- Geothermal
- Split Ductless
Air-Source Heat Pumps
These make up for the majority of installed heat pumps. They are partitioned into two:- Indoor Unit
- Outdoor Unit
Mitsubishi Split-Ductless Heat Pumps
These comprise of two units, that is, an outdoor condenser/compressor and indoor air handlers (anywhere between 1 and 4). Quiet indoor units are usually installed on the ceiling or high on a wall and can be operated using a remote control. Also known as mini-splits, the units circulate refrigerant via tubing that connects both the outdoor and indoor units. Mitsubishi Split-ductless systems don’t need any ductwork. Therefore, they are practical for homes that don’t have any ducts or single room additions. Another benefit of using split-ductless systems is that they avoid the energy losses that are associated with ductwork. Ducts may contribute up to 30% of your home’s energy consumption for space conditioning. An added benefit of these units is that they offer design flexibility even though not all homeowners are fans of how split-ductless systems work. It is not advisable to install multiple split-ductless units as it’s not considered cost effective. However, to offset this high cost there are federal incentives that make it cheaper.Geothermal Heat Pumps
These units are also referred to as ground and water source heat pumps. The way they work is by transferring heat using a connection of pipes buried either horizontally or vertically in loops outdoors. There’s a water solution in the pipes which passes on heat obtained from a well, pond or ground, in and out of your house. Geothermal units that also control humidity are capable of reducing your energy use by up to 50% when compared with other traditional heating and cooling systems. An added benefit to using geothermal heat pumps is that not only are they quiet they can keep running for a long time. Indoor units are known to be functional 24 years after installation while the loops last about 50 years. One of the disadvantages of using a geothermal heat pump is that it can’t be used in certain soil conditions and small lots. It also tends to be very expensive that is a couple times more expensive than the air-source system. Luckily there are local and federal incentives that reduce the initial investment significantly.Factors To Consider Before Making A Purchase
Climate
The climate of your location will determine whether you’ll need a secondary heating system or not. Generally, heat pumps will work well in areas that with broad temperature swings. However, if you reside in a location with very cold temperatures (below 10 degrees F) you will need a secondary heating system.Energy Efficiency
Both ductless-split and air-source heat pumps have their efficiency measured using SEER, that is, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The minimum SEER rating for new heat pumps across the country is 14 SEER unless you live in the Mountain States, Midwest, Pacific Northwest and in the Northeast in which case the federal minimum is 13 SEER.Sizing
If a heat pump is not sized correctly meaning it’s too small or too big for your space it won’t work efficiently and will definitely increase your energy bills.Tax Credits and Rebates
If you had bought a geothermal heat pump by Dec. 31st 2016, you qualify for a 30% federal tax credit on your purchase. For more details visit the Department of Energy website. You also need to ensure that you only install your new heat pump after ensuring that the rest of your home is energy efficient. This is a critical factor that will help you buy a smaller and less expensive unit.How To Boost Your Heat Pump’s Efficiency
Here are some ways you could boost your heat pump’s efficiency.- Adding insulation to your walls and attic
- Ensure that ductwork throughout your home is properly sealed
- Add caulk around your windows and weather stripping around doors
- Properly insulate ducts in your attic and crawlspace.
February 28, 2018
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