There are a number of different kinds of heat pumps, but the ones that work best for you will depend on your home and climate. They can help you reduce your energy bills, improve the quality and value of your home and cut down on the carbon emissions associated with traditional heating systems.
Heat Pumps Explained
The key to making heat pumps work is a simple principle of thermodynamics: they take heat from a low-temperature reservoir and transfer it to a high-temperature reservoir. A good Heat Pump is able to transfer this heat from the low-temperature reservoir to the high-temperature reservoir without using any extra energy (and therefore, with very little waste).
If you’re comparing a unit to an air conditioner, look for a SEER rating of 14 or higher in the northern US and 15 or higher in the southern U.S. A high-efficiency heat pump can save you money in the long run and may be eligible for more tax incentives or rebates than a less efficient unit.
Heat pumps can be a great addition to your home, but they can also be difficult to install. It’s important to make sure that a contractor has the right qualifications and experience to install your new system. It’s a good idea to ask around, or check with local green-energy resource groups, for referrals to contractors who can work with heat pumps.
Choosing a Heat Pump
When shopping for a heat pump, you’ll want to make sure that you choose one that’s the right size for your home and your current insulation and ductwork. It’s also a good idea to have your contractor perform a load calculation to make sure that the heat pump will be able to efficiently and effectively heat your home.
You’ll also need to consider the noise level of your heat pump. Most heat pumps have a sound rating that you can find in the manufacturer’s manual and on the product’s website.
A low-noise heat pump is especially important if you have children or pets. It’s also a good idea if you live in a quiet area, such as a rural or suburban setting. You might also consider a heat pump with a reversing valve that automatically switches from heating to cooling at a predetermined temperature outside, so you don’t have to turn the unit on and off manually every time you want to change the temperature.