How to Choose the Right type of Heat Pump for your Home

Shopping for a new heat pump? It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of styles and models on the market. Luckily the pros at H & H Heating & Air have you covered, with all the information you need to help you decide which type of heat pump is right for your home, budget, and lifestyle.

What to Know Before You Buy
If your HVAC repair service technician has informed you your older heater pump is living out its final days, it’s time to make some decisions about your future heat pump’s features. Which are must-haves and which can you do without? Let’s dig a little deeper…

Types of Heat Pumps

The first thing you will notice is there are more than one style of heat pump. Whether you replace yours with a style similar to its predecessor, or venture into new territory, will depend on a number of factors…

• Air-Source
  Commonly installed, split and packaged heat pumps systems utilize outdoor air for heat exchange. Though previously more effective in warmer climates, those tired of calling their furnace repair company will be happy to know advances in technology now make heat pumps viable for colder regions, including the Northeast. Sizing is important, however. Systems in regions that drop below 10-25 degrees F may still require an auxiliary heat source if undersized.
• Ductless/Mini-Splits
  Split-ductless systems involve an outdoor unit, paired with 1-4 interior compressor/condenser units for the delivery of conditioned air. Installed high on the wall/ceiling, these remote control units require no ductwork, making them a great option for older homes or those with ductwork problems. Installation costs can be higher, however these uber-efficient systems deliver stellar savings, and can often earn you state/local/utility rebates and incentives.
• Geo-Thermal Heat Pumps
  Buried deep underground, geo-thermal heat pumps condition air with the help of the constant 50-60 degree temperatures of the earth/water. 25-50% more efficient than conventional HVAC systems, geothermal units are quiet, low-maintenance, and offer better humidity control. Systems may not be compatible with small lots and certain soil conditions, and installation costs can be high, but pays back in 5-10 years.

Energy Efficiency
Cooling efficiency for split-systems, measured by SEER, is a federally-required minimum of 13 in the Northeast. Heating efficiency, measured by HSPF, is a minimum of 7.7. Though SEER is more important in warmer climes, look to HSPF in the Northeast’s colder temperatures. A rating of at-least 15 SEER/8.5 HSPF is recommended. The higher the rating, the better the performance/energy savings over the life of the system. The most-efficient Energy Star-rated systems are 18-27.5 SEER/8.5-12.5 HSPF. (Geothermal ratings differ, rated by EER/COP, with minimums of 17.1-21.1 EER/3.1-4.1 COP.

Sizing & Installation
Undersized/oversized systems won’t effectively maintain temperatures in your home, inflating energy bills. Proper sizing, based on the size and thermal efficiency of your home, is key to performance, as is the proper installation of ductwork/equipment.

Rebates & Incentives
Check with your state, city, and utility provider for available rebates and incentives, or check online here.

Ensure a more comfortable home, lower energy bills, and a system that lasts for years to come. Learn more about upgrading your system with H & H Heating & Air today.