When they are powered by clean electricity (as generated by solar, wind or an alternative source of gas that is cleaner), heat pumps can reduce household carbon emissions from heating by about 75 percent.
Now, innovations in refrigerant gases and other components mean that new models are more efficient. They're also getting smaller and sleeker, blending into the interior of your home.
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are more energy efficient than electric resistance or other furnaces due to the fact that they draw heat from the air to heat homes, instead of generating their own heat by burning fuel. Their energy efficiency is measured by the coefficient of performance, or COP. A high COP indicates that a single unit of electricity can produce multiple kilowatt hours of heat. In general, the current heat pumps have a COP of about four, which means that a single kWh of electricity can generate four kWh of heat.
Heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions by heating buildings in cold climates. To reduce emissions, heat pumps need to make use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This will increase the efficiency of energy used by heat pumps which will allow them to operate with less fossil fuels.
The efficiency of a pump depends on the temperature in its two reservoirs: the indoor and the outdoor storage tanks. In cooling mode, the heat pump pulls in heat from the surrounding air and uses refrigerant to move it between the storage tanks and the house. When the system changes from heating to cooling the flow of heat is reversed. The outside coil is now the evaporator while the inside coil acts as the condenser. The reversing valve also reverses the direction of electrical current flowing through the fluid that is now acting as the compressor. The power generated by the increased electrical current causes the working fluid to expand and push the ambient heat into the house.
A heat pump is able to produce seven kilowatts of electricity for every kilowatt hour of energy used. The higher the COP is, the more efficient it is.
As technology advances and new models are developed, they are designed with a wider variety of climates in mind. Certain models are designed to withstand freezing temperatures while others are paired with furnaces for use in the most severe conditions.
Some governments and utilities provide incentives, such as discounts or special rates on electricity for homeowners who choose to switch to heat pumps. They are also experimenting with ways to harness the power of these appliances by utilizing them to store and absorb renewable energy, or by rewarding consumers for helping shift peak demand from fossil fuels.
Efficiency Ratings
The efficiency ratings of heat pumps are a crucial consideration for buyers. They're a great way to compare a heat pump to another and make sure you're buying quality equipment. The most common ratings are SEER and HSPF. These ratings tell you how the performance of a heat pump during its cooling and heating seasons. Other important ratings include SCOP ERP, EER, IPLV and NPLV.
The EER rating of a heat pump is a measure for how efficiently it uses electrical energy to generate cooling. The EER rating is determined by the cooling output when compared to its electrical input. Higher ratings indicate better efficiency. A good place to begin when shopping for a new heat pump is with one that has an EER rating of high.
It's worth it even considering that the minimum SEER rating permitted today is 13. This will result in lower energy costs and energy consumption in the long run.
Generation X was born in the middle of the oil crisis, and have been the driving force behind the push for more efficient appliances. Since 1992 the U.S. Department of Energy has set minimum standards for SEER and HSPF ratings for heat pumps. While SEER is typically used to determine cooling ratings, you should also look for heat pumps that have an HSPF rating that is high.
Heat pumps with an HSPF rating of high will cost more initially, but they'll pay for themselves with significant energy savings over time. They also help reduce greenhouse gasses and improve the environment.
Many factors can influence the efficiency of energy used by a heat pump such as its size and where it is installed in the home. A buffer tank, for example one that allows warmer return water to mix with cooler supply water may reduce efficiency. This is particularly the case if it does not have an automatic mixing valve.
Another thing to take into consideration is how a heat pump's ductwork is constructed and insulated. If the ducts are not properly constructed or not insulated they could decrease the heat pump's airflow and cause it to be more difficult to reach a desired temperature. In some cases the technician might be able to correct the issue by cleaning the evaporator or altering the refrigerant charge.
Installation
A heat pump is an heating and air conditioning system that can cool your home similar to an air conditioner. It is an alternative to traditional heating methods such as gas furnaces. A Carrier expert can assist you to choose a suitable heat pump for your home and the climate.
The heat pump has the benefit of being able to work in mild climates. This is not the case for other heating systems. The heat pump makes use of ambient air to warm the room. This air can be drawn from the ground, inside your home, or air outside, depending on which type of heat pump is selected.
The main purpose of a heat pump is that it can pull the same energy from the air inside your house which it uses to cool your home. This is accomplished by utilizing a reversing valve to change the direction in which refrigerant flows. The heat is transferred from the air into the refrigerant by blowing air across the coil that evaporates. The reversing valve changes the direction of the flow to condenser coil. The heat is then transferred to indoor air, and the cycle starts again.
If you're thinking of installing an energy-efficient heat pump for your home, think about getting a few in-home consultations from various installation companies. Compare the costs and energy ratings of each. This will give you a good idea of the prices, benefits, and long-term reliability of each heat pump installation.
Your local Carrier expert will assist you install a new heating system by sizing it correctly and arranging it for maximum performance. They can evaluate the cooling and heating needs of your space as well as the dimensions, condition and the age of your ductwork. This allows them to select the most suitable heat pump for you and your budget.
A HVAC professional can assist you to make improvements to your home to increase its energy efficiency. This can help you get even more energy savings from your new system. For instance, upgrading your insulation or fixing air leaks could make your heat pump last longer throughout winter, allowing it to draw in ambient air from the colder outdoors.
Maintenance
Just like your car, heat pumps require a regular tune-up to ensure their performance is at its best. Two regular maintenance visits per year - once in spring and again in the fall -- will ensure that your system is operating properly throughout heating season. A heat pump that isn't working properly will likely need to use more energy to achieve the same comfort level as a well-maintained system leading to higher utility bills each month.
You can perform a variety of household maintenance tasks to boost the efficiency of your heating system and extend its lifespan. For example, cleaning your indoor air filter every month (or replacing it with reusable filters) will improve the quality of your indoor air and keep the heat pump running less frequently to circulate the same amount of air. Keep outdoor units clear of leaves, debris and wildlife to prevent obstructions to airflow. This will also increase the efficiency of your heat pump.
tumble dryers with heat pump is to examine your heating system regularly for damaged fuses or circuit breakers. They may be the result of an electrical overload, or an ignition issue that requires professional attention. In addition, it is important to test your thermostat regularly to ensure it is operating at the proper temperature and not putting the system into overdrive.
If you hear strange sounds coming from your heat pumps is usually an indication that the air ducts are clogged or the blower fan is dirty. This may require professional help. It is recommended to clean your evaporator coils, which can reduce dust build-up and enhance airflow. Also, making sure that the condensate drain is clear of obstructions will help prevent water leaks, blockages and fire hazards.
The cost of maintenance and repairs depend on the type of system you have and how old it is and how accessible it is for a licensed technician to work on. For example, smaller systems made to cool and heat a single room are generally less expensive to fix than larger units that offer cooling for the entire house. The location of a heater in a crawlspace can influence the cost of maintenance and repair.
