Heat pumps are efficient, all-in-one heating and cooling systems that use clean electricity. Switching to one can significantly lower household carbon emissions, says BC Hydro.
The right heat pump for your home depends on a few key details, like the climate and size of your house. Consider these factors when shopping, and pair your research with expert guidance from a Sealed contractor partner for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Efficiency
Efficiency is how much the system turns electrical or gas energy into usable heat. A high rating is best.
The efficiency of a heat pump is closely tied to its operational principles. Comprising an outdoor unit featuring aluminum fins and coils for heat release or collection and an indoor unit linked to ducts for home distribution, the heat pump’s functionality is pivotal. Within the indoor unit, a blower facilitates the circulation of warm or cool air. These essential components contribute to the effectiveness of top-rated heat pumps.
A heat pump system works most efficiently if adequately sized for your town’s design temperatures and your home’s heating and cooling loads. It should be sized to meet those demands at a minimum SEER2 level of 17.
Reliability
A heat pump is a five-figure investment that protects your family and home from extreme weather, so you’ll want to pick one with good reliability. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of unbiased data about heat pump brands. Consumer Reports rankings (paywalled) have the most reliable info, but they exclude many significant manufacturers and don’t cover cold climates.
Heat pumps work like central air conditioners: Outdoor and indoor units with aluminum fins and coils that release or collect heat, connected by a refrigerant line. The indoor unit hooks up to ductwork, which blows warm or cool air into your home through air vents.
A heat pump’s reliability depends on its capacity at local design temperatures. Choose a model rated for your climate zone and your home’s heating and cooling loads, as BTU measures. Also, look for a system that’s efficient at low minimum settings. One that cycles on and off too frequently wastes energy and stresses components.
Noise
Noise pollution is a significant issue in our society. It disturbs sleep, lowers productivity, and ultimately affects the quality of life. The good news is that heat pumps make much less noise than traditional boilers.
Nevertheless, the sound produced by the compressor can be bothersome. Its roaring is caused by its work compressing air and refrigerant. Rattling sounds can accompany it as the refrigerant pressure equalizes after shutting off.
Luckily, there are some solutions to reduce the amount of noise your heat pump makes. For example, a noise barrier can be installed around the unit to prevent vibrations from transmitting through the wall and help your neighbors sleep better. Another solution is a sound blanket wrapped with an insulating material that can be fitted to the compressor and reduce noise. These insulation blankets are easy to install and don’t interfere with the operation of your heat pump.
Installation
Modern heat pumps look like central AC systems, with an outdoor and indoor unit filled with aluminum fins and coils to release or collect heat, linked by a refrigerant line that transports heat. The indoor unit hooks up to ducts throughout the home, and a blower circulates warm or cool air through those ducts into rooms via air vents.
A local dealer can help you evaluate your heating and cooling needs, including determining your house’s ideal size heat pump. A heat pump that’s too small might need to be fixed or cycle on and off more often than necessary, which reduces efficiency and causes components to wear out prematurely.
Ask for referrals from friends and family with your area’s heat pumps or green-energy resource groups. You can also check online reviews for contractors. But avoid those that employ high-pressure sales tactics, a sign they’re not working in your best interest.
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