Heat pumps selection and buying

Heat pumps are a low-carbon electric heating and cooling choice. Selecting the right heat pump is important, since they differ in their types and energy-efficiency. Besides, there are alternatives to them that should be considered.

Selecting the right type of heat pumps

For large energy needs, if you have enough land available in your yard, consider the ground heat pumps (geothermal).

For smaller needs, for home additions, or for strategies involving just some rooms or a part of the house, consider ductless heat pumps. They provide lower power consumption and more energy savings.

The third alternative - standard air-source heat pumps – is the most common, the cheapest, and in a way the more versatile option. These air source heat pumps require ductwork and are a low-carbon electric alternative for average homes and apartments. They can replace advantageously both air conditioners and furnaces (and that’s their biggest advantage), namely in moderate climates. In colder climates, with freezing temperatures, they require supplemental heating (some models come already equipped with that feature). Standard Air Source Heat Pump

Selecting the heat pump rating

When selecting a ground-source heat pump pay attention to its COP (Coefficient Of Performance). When selecting air source heat pumps look for their heating and cooling ratings: the HSPF and the SEER ratings.

Heat pumps with higher ratings are more expensive but they provide larger energy savings: doubling the ratings will reduce the power consumption in half. Prefer Energy Star and other qualified units. See, for more details: Heat pump performance and rating and The Heat Pump Best

Selecting the right heat pump features

The new heat pump technology has evolved a lot in the last decade and there are now new and advantageous features that will help you to get higher energy savings.

Features like supplemental heating (for colder climates), dual fan speed motors, desuperheaters (for water heating) can be very important when buying a new heat pump.

Considering new heating and cooling strategies

Heat pumps are a two-in-one solution: they can replace both air conditioners and furnaces using electricity in a particularly efficient way. But there are trade-offs: energy-efficient air conditioners can be slightly more efficient than heat pumps, while efficient furnaces are also slightly more efficient than heat pumps on heating mode (or significantly more efficient, in freezing temperatures).

Besides, there are other heating and cooling approaches - namely involving high levels of insulation, passive heating and cooling, zone heating and cooling… - that can replace with advantage the heat pump choice.

Selecting the heat pump size and the installer

When buying do not oversize, and choose a certified installer. Installation is as important as the heat pump selection.

Choosing a 3 ton heat pump just because this is a very common choice for average homes is a wrong decision. The insulation levels, the climate or the size and characteristics of your house should be considered to avoid non-effective options.

Before buying a new heat pump it's important to look at your home insulation and sealing, and fix problems... High levels of insulation and sealing will reduce the size of the heat pump you need and make your home cheaper to heat properly.

Though relevant for air-source heat pumps, installation is particularly important and complex in the case of ground-heat pumps, where technical knowledge is critical.

Heat pumps dealers, manufacturers and associations will help you find a qualified installer in your area. See: Heat Pumps Manufacturers and Associations