Heat pumps that are powered by renewable electricity (such as wind, solar or a less polluting gas source) can reduce CO2 emissions from heating by up to 75 percent.
New models are now more efficient thanks to advances in refrigerant gas and other components. They're also becoming smaller and sleeker, so they can blend in more seamlessly with the decor of your home.
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are more efficient than electric resistance furnaces or other furnaces, because they utilize the ambient heat in the air to warm homes, instead of burning fuel. Their energy efficiency is measured using the coefficient of performance, or COP. A high COP means that one kWh of electricity can produce multiple kilowatt-hours of heat. Heat pumps today have COPs of four. This means that one kWh can generate four kWh.
Heat pumps can help reduce carbon emissions by heating buildings, even in cold climates. To reduce emissions, heat pumps have to make use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This will increase the overall energy efficiency of heat pump systems, allowing them to operate them using less fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The effectiveness of a heat pump depends on the temperature in its two reservoirs, the indoor and outdoor storage tanks. In cooling mode the heat pump makes use of its refrigerant, and draws heat from the air to move between the storage tanks. When the system changes from cooling to heating, this flow is reversed. The outside coil is now the evaporator, and the inside coil serves as a condenser. The reversing valve also reverses the direction of the electrical current flowing through the fluid which is now acting as a compressor. The increased electrical power causes the working fluid to expand, bringing the ambient heat into the house.
A heat pump can generate seven kilowatts of electricity for every kilowatt hour energy consumed. The higher the COP the more efficient it is in energy use.
As tumble dryers with heat pump improves, more models are being designed to work with a wider range of climates. Certain models are made to withstand freezing temperatures while others are equipped with furnaces for use in the harshest climates.
Certain utilities and governments provide incentives to homeowners who change from heat pumps to heat pumps, for example rebates. Some are also testing ways to make use of these appliances' flexibility by using them to store and absorb renewable energy, or by rewarding consumers who help shift peak demand away from fossil fuels.
Efficiency Ratings
Efficiency ratings for heat pumps are a crucial consideration for buyers. These ratings are a great way to compare heat pumps and ensure that you're getting the most efficient equipment. The most commonly used ratings are SEER and HSPF. These ratings indicate how well a heater performs in the heating and cooling seasons. Other useful ratings include SCOP ERP, EER, NPLV and IPLV.
The EER rating of a heat pump is a measure of how efficiently it makes use of electricity to generate cooling energy. The EER rating is determined by the cooling output compared to its electrical input. Higher ratings indicate better efficiency. A good place to begin when looking for a new heat pump is with one that has a high EER rating.
It's a good idea to invest even when the minimum SEER rating permitted today is 13. This will pay off in lower energy costs and energy consumption in the long run.
Generation X was born in the middle of the oil crisis, and they've been the driving force behind the demand 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 typically used to determine cooling ratings however, you should also search for heat pumps that have an excellent HSPF.
Heat pumps with high HSPF ratings are more expensive initially, but will pay for themselves over time with significant energy savings. They will also reduce greenhouse gasses and improve the environmental quality.
Many factors can affect the efficiency of an energy-efficient heat pump in relation to its size, as well as the location it is placed within the home. A buffer tank, for instance, that allows warmer return water to mix with cooler supply water could decrease efficiency. This is particularly relevant if the mixing valve doesn't have a thermostatic setting.
Another factor to consider is how the heat pump's ductwork has been designed and is insulated. If the ducts are not properly constructed or not insulated they could decrease the flow of air through the heat pump and cause it to work harder to achieve a desired temperature. In certain cases the technician might be able to correct this problem by cleaning the evaporator coil or adjusting the refrigerant charge.
Installation
A heat pump is a central heating and air system that cools your house like an air conditioner, but also provides heating. It replaces traditional heating methods, including gas furnaces. A Carrier expert can assist you to choose the best heat pump for your home and climate.
The heat pump has the benefit of being able to work in mild climates. This isn't the case for other heating systems. The heat pump utilizes ambient air to warm the room. The air could come from the ground, the air inside your home, or from the air outside your house, depending on the type of heat pump you select.
The main function of a heat pump is to pull the same amount of energy from the home's air as it does for cooling. It does this by using the reversing valve, which changes the direction of the refrigerant's flow. Air is blown over an evaporator coil that transports the heat from the air to the refrigerant. The reversing valve changes the direction of the flow to condenser coil. This heat is then transferred to indoor air, and the cycle starts again.
Consider getting several in-home consultations from different installation companies if you're thinking of installing a heat pump. Compare the costs and energy efficiency ratings each company offers. This will give a good idea of the price, benefits, and reliability of each installation.
Your local Carrier expert will assist you to install a new heat-pump by correctly sizing it and arranging it for the best performance. They will assess the specific heating and cooling requirements of your space, as well the condition and size of your ductwork. This allows them to select the best heat pump for you and your budget.
In addition to ensuring that the heat pump is of the correct size for your home, an HVAC professional can advise you on how to upgrade your home to increase its efficiency in energy use. This will allow you to get even greater savings on energy costs from your new system. For example, upgrading your insulation or fixing air leaks can make your heat pump run longer into the winter by allowing it to draw in air from the colder outdoors.
Maintenance
Just like your car, heat pumps require regular tune-ups to ensure optimal performance. Two maintenance visits per year, one in spring and one in the fall, will ensure that your system run smoothly during 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 unit, leading to higher utility bills each month.
You can perform a variety of home maintenance tasks to increase the efficiency of your heat pump and extend its lifespan. Cleaning your indoor air filters each month (or replacing them with reusable ones) will improve the indoor air quality and the heat pump will be less efficient to circulate the air. Clearing outdoor units of leaves, debris and wildlife can also prevent obstructions to airflow and boost heat pump efficiency.
Another simple maintenance step to be aware of is to check a heat pump for circuit breakers that have tripped or fuses and fuse blows that could be caused by an electrical overload or ignition issue that needs professional attention. It is also important to test your thermostat regularly to make sure that it's operating at proper temperature and not putting the system into overdrive.
If you notice strange sounds coming from your heat pump it could be an indication of a blocked air duct or dirty fan that will require professional service. It's a good idea also to cleanse the evaporator coils on a regular basis. This will reduce dust build-up and increase airflow. Finally, ensuring the condensate drains are free of debris will prevent blockages, water leaks and fire hazards.
The cost of maintenance and repairs depend on the type of system you have and the age of the system and how easy it is for a certified technician to work on. For example, smaller systems made to heat and cool one room are typically less expensive to repair than larger units that provide conditioning for an entire home. Access to a heat-pump located in a crawlspace could influence the cost of maintenance and repair.
