Heat pumps powered by renewable electricity (such as solar, wind or a less polluting source of gas) can reduce household CO2 emissions from heating by as much as 75 percent.
The latest developments in refrigerant gases as well as other components mean that new models are more efficient. They're also getting smaller and sleeker, which means they'll blend in better with the home.
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are more efficient in energy use than electric resistance or other furnaces because they use ambient heat from the air to warm homes, rather than creating their own heat by burning fuel. Their efficiency in energy is measured by the coefficient of performance, or COP. A high COP indicates that an electricity unit can produce a large number of kilowatt hours of heat. Today, heat pumps have a COP around four. This means that one kWh could produce four kWh.
This means that even in cold climates heat pumps can be used to drastically reduce carbon emissions from heating buildings. However, to reduce emissions, it's important to ensure that the power used by heat pumps comes from renewable sources such as wind and solar. This will improve the energy efficiency of all heat pump systems, which will allow them to operate them with less fossil fuels, and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The efficiency of a pump is determined by the temperature of its two reservoirs, the outdoor and the indoor storage tanks. In cooling mode the heat pump makes use of its refrigerant and draws air heat to transfer between the storage tanks. When the system is switched to heating, it reverses this flow. The outside coil is now the evaporator while the inside coil is the condenser. The reversing valve also alters the direction of the electrical current flowing through the working fluid which acts as a compressor. The power generated by the increased electrical current causes the working fluid to expand, bringing the ambient heat into the house.
With the right conditions, a heat pump can produce up to seven Kilowatt-hours of electricity per kilowatt-hour energy consumed. The higher the COP, the more efficient it is in energy use.
As technology improves, new models are designed to cater to a wider range of climates in mind. Some are built to withstand freezing temperatures while others are equipped with furnaces for use in extreme climates.
Some utilities and government agencies provide incentives to homeowners who change from heat pumps to heat pumps, for example rebates. There are also efforts 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
Efficiency ratings for heat pumps are an important factor to consider for buyers. They're a great method to compare one pump to another and make sure you're buying the best quality equipment. The most common ratings include SEER and the HSPF. These rates tell how the performance of a heat pump in its cooling and heating seasons. Other important ratings include EER, SCOP ERP, NPLV and IPLV.
The EER rating of a heat pump is a measure for how efficiently it utilizes electricity to create cooling. This is determined by the ratio of its cooling output to its electrical input which is higher, indicating more efficiency. When you are looking for a new heat pump, start with one that has an EER rating.
It's worth it even when the minimum SEER rating allowed today is 13. Over time it will result in lower energy bills and less consumption.
Generation X was born in the midst 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 established minimum standards for the SEER and HSPF ratings of heat pumps. While SEER is the most frequently used cooling rating, it's also important to look for an air conditioner that has high HSPF ratings as well.
Heat pumps with HSPF ratings that are high are more expensive at first, but will pay for themselves over time with significant energy savings. They also aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environment.
Many factors can affect the efficiency of an energy-efficient heat pump, including its size and where it is installed within the home. A buffer tank, for example, that allows warmer return water to mix in with cooler supply water could decrease efficiency. This is especially true if the mixing valve doesn't have an adjustable thermostat.
Another factor to consider is how a heat pump's ductwork has been designed and is insulated. The heat pump will have to work harder in the event that the ducts fail to function properly or are not insulated. In some instances the technician might be able to fix this problem by cleaning the evaporator coil or altering the refrigerant charge.
Installation
A heat pump is an air and heating system that cools your home like an air conditioner and also offers heating. It is a replacement for traditional heating methods such as gas furnaces. A Carrier expert will assist you choose the ideal heat pump for your climate and home.
The heat pump has the advantage of being able to work in mild climates. This isn't the case for other heating systems. The heat pump makes use of ambient air to heat the room. This air can be drawn from the ground, the air inside your home, or from the air outside your home dependent on the kind of heat pump you pick.
A heat pump's basic function is to pull the same amount of energy from your home's air as it does to cool. This is done through a reversing valance to change the direction that the refrigerant flows. The heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant through blowing air over the coil that evaporates. The reversing switch then changes the flow direction and transforms it into condenser. This heat is then transferred to the indoor air and the cycle is then initiated again.
If you're considering a heat pump for your home, think about getting a few in-home consultations from different installation companies. Compare the prices and energy ratings of each company. This will give you a clear idea about the cost, benefits, and reliability of each heat pump installation.
Your local Carrier expert can assist you with the installation of a new heat pump by sizing it correctly and arranging it for the best performance. They will assess the heating and cooling needs of your space and also the size, condition and the age of your ductwork. This lets them choose the best heat pump for you and your budget.
In addition to ensuring that the heat pump is the appropriate size for your home An HVAC expert can provide advice about making upgrades to your home to increase its energy efficiency. This can assist you in saving more energy with your new system. For instance, enhancing your insulation or fixing air leaks could make your heat pump run more through winter by permitting it to draw in air from the colder outdoors.
Maintenance
Just like your car, heat pumps require regular tune-ups 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 does not work properly will need to use more electricity to achieve the same degree of comfort as a maintained system, leading to more expensive monthly bills for utilities.
You can do several household maintenance tasks to boost the efficiency of your heating system and extend its life. For example cleaning your indoor air filter every month (or replacing it with reusable filters) will improve indoor air quality and ensure that the heat pump is working less hard to circulate the same amount of air. Cleaning outdoor units of debris, foliage and other wildlife can also help prevent obstructions to airflow and improve heat pump efficiency.
A simple task to do is to examine your heat pump on a regular basis for damaged fuses or circuit breakers. They could be the result an electrical overload or an ignition issue that requires expert attention. It is also crucial to check the thermostat regularly to ensure it's functioning at the right temperature and not making the system overdrive.
If you notice strange sounds emanating from your heat pump, it's often an indication that the air ducts are clogged or the blower fan is dirty. This will require professional service. It is a good idea to clean the evaporator coils regularly. This will decrease dust build-up and increase airflow. Also, make sure that the condensate drainage area is free of debris to prevent blockages and leaks, as well as fire hazards.
Repair and maintenance costs vary according to the type of system you have as well as its age and how easily accessible it is to technicians. Repairing tumble dryer with heat pump that only heat and cool one room is less costly than larger units that supply air conditioning for the entire house. In addition, the accessibility of the heat pump in a crawl space will affect both repair and hourly maintenance costs.
