Heat Pump | Heating and Air Conditioning
Heat Pump | Heating and Air Conditioning
For many homeowners, a heat pump provides an energy-efficient, money saving alternative for both heating and air conditioning. Because heat pumps actually move heat rather than generate heat it, the system can provide up to 4 times the amount of energy they consume, making them an energy efficient alternative.
Heat Pump Replacement
The average heat pump’s lifespan is from 10 to 15 years. Eventually, the costs of maintaining a heat pump will increase with age. Age and increased costs is a common reason for heat pump replacement.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a factor to consider when replacing the existing heat pump. Newer modern heat pumps are by far more energy-efficient than models just a few years old, and can save you up to 40% on the cost of operation. If the budget allows, select an Energy Star approved heat pump to receive the greater reliability and energy efficiency.
Greater Comfort
Humidity affects a home’s comfort. In fact, increased humidity is common in a failing air conditioning system. Today’s high efficiency heat pumps are extremely effective in reducing humidity thanks to the benefits of multistage compressors and variable speed blower fans.
Not all heat pumps possess these features, and it is well worth the extra expense to select a heat pump with them. Your comfort will be greater, and the electric bill will be less due to them.
Improved Cold Tolerance
Today’s heat pump is has a higher tolerance of lower outdoor temperatures than in the past. Older models became inefficient in the deep cold of winter, the reason so few heat pumps were in use in northern climates. When freezing temperatures struck, homes with heat pumps would rely on auxiliary heat or inefficient strip heat to warm the home.
Programmable Thermostats
Until now, the technology of programmable thermostats was not available for heat pumps. It is understandable for heat pump owners to want the advantages of programmable thermostats. As they are capable of reducing the energy costs of heating and air conditioning by as much as 20%, heat pump owners naturally want the technology for their homes. Now you can have the best of both worlds, a high efficiency heat pump, controlled by a programmable thermostat.
Selecting a Heat Pump
As you shop for a heat pump, you will note the Energy Guide Label, which describes the heat pump’s heating and air conditioning efficiency performance rating. The two efficiency ratings you will want to understand on the label are HSPF and SEER:
- The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a rating of heat pump heating efficiency. It is the ratio of the seasonal heating output in Btu divided by the seasonal power consumption in watts. The minimal efficiency for package systems in Texas requires a HSPF of 8.0. A split system has a required minimal efficiency of 8.2 HSPF. Carrier’s Infinity Greenspeed 20 offers a HSPF of 13.5, providing significant savings on your heating costs.
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): This is a rating of a heat pump’s cooling efficiency. It is a ratio of the seasonal heat removed in Btu per hour to the seasonal power consumption in watts. In general, the higher the SEER the greater the energy efficiency is, and the higher the cost of the unit. However, the energy savings can return the higher initial investment several times over during the heat pump’s lifespan. The minimal efficiency for packaged systems or split systems in Texas requires a SEER of 14. Carrier’s Infinity Greenspeed 20 offers a SEER of 20.5, providing significant savings on your cooling costs.
When selecting an air source heat pump, be sure to look for the Energy Star label, which is awarded to those units with SEERs of 14 or greater and HSPFs of 8.0 or greater. It is your best assurance that you are receiving a reliable, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning system.
Operation and Maintenance of a Heat Pump
Providing routine maintenance of a heat pump is essential for efficient performance and the projected lifespan. A heat pump that receives routine maintenance uses up to 25% less energy on the cost of heating and air conditioning operation, than a severely neglected one.
Tips for operating a heat pump
- Do not set back the thermostat if it causes the backup heat to come on; backup heat is usually more costly to operate.
- Continuous indoor fan operation can degrade performance; operate the system on the “auto” fan setting on the thermostat.
- Clean or change filters once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer. A dirty filter, coils, and fans reduce airflow through the heating and air conditioning system and decreases system performance, and may lead to severe damage.
When properly sized and installed by a qualified HVAC technician, an air-source heat pump can provide efficient heating and air conditioning for a home. The installer’s qualification is essential in a quality heat pump installation, proper sizing, and performance.
Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians provide exceptional service and are dedicated to your satisfaction. Our reliable professionals offer heating and air conditioning repair, installation, service and more. If you are considering the installation of a heat pump, give us a call for a free estimate. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.
