Heat pumps powered by clean electricity (such as wind, solar, or a cleaner gas source) can cut down on CO2 emissions from heating by up to 75 percent.
New models are more efficient today, thanks to innovations in refrigerant gases and other components. And they're getting smaller and sleeker to blend in more seamlessly with the interior of your home.
Energy Efficiency
They are more energy efficient than electric resistance or other furnaces since they draw heat from the air to warm homes, instead of creating their own heat by burning fuel. Their energy efficiency is measured using the coefficient of performance, or COP. A high COP means that one unit of electricity can produce a large number of kilowatt hours of heat. Heat pumps today have COPs of four. This means that one kWh could produce four kWh.
Heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions by heating buildings, even in cold climates. To reduce emissions, heat pumps must make use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. This will increase the energy efficiency of all heat pump systems, making it possible to operate them using less fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The efficiency of a heat pump depends on the temperature in its two reservoirs, the indoor and the outdoor storage tanks. In cooling mode the heat pump draws in heat from the surrounding air and uses refrigerant to move it between the storage tanks and the house. When the system shifts from heating to cooling, this flow is reversed. The outside coil becomes the evaporator, while the inside coil is now the condenser. The reversing valve also reverses the direction of electrical current that flows through the fluid that is now acting as a compressor. The increased electrical power causes the working fluid to expand and push the ambient heat into the house.
With the right conditions the heat pump can produce up to seven kilowatt-hours of electricity per kilowatt-hour of energy consumed. The higher the COP the more energy efficient it is.
As technology improves new models are being developed to accommodate a wider variety of climates. Some have been built to resist freezing temperatures, while others are combined with furnaces to be used in the harshest climates.
Certain utilities and governments provide incentives, such as discounts or special rates on electricity for homeowners who make the switch to heat pumps. Some are also testing ways to make use of the flexibility of these appliances by utilizing them to store and absorb renewable energy, or by rewarding consumers for helping shift peak demand away from fossil fuels.
Efficiency Ratings
Heat pump efficiency ratings are an important factor to consider for buyers. These ratings are a great way to evaluate heat pumps and ensure that you're getting the most efficient equipment. The most commonly used ratings are HSPF and SEER. These ratings show how well a heater performs during the cooling and heating seasons. Other useful ratings include EER, SCOP, ERP, NPLV, and IPLV.
A heat pump's EER rating is an indicator of how effectively it uses electricity to produce cooling energy. The EER rating is determined by the cooling output compared to the electrical input. Higher ratings indicate higher efficiency. A good place to begin when looking for a new heat pump is to choose one that has an EER rating of high.
Although the minimum SEER that is allowed at present is 13 points, it's worth investing in a model with a higher rating. Over time this will result in lower energy bills and less consumption.
Generation X was born during the oil crisis and has been driving the drive for more efficient appliances that are energy efficient. Since 1992 the U.S. Department of Energy set minimum standards for heat pump' SEER and HSF ratings. While tumble dryer with heat pump is the most commonly used cooling rating, it's also crucial to select heat pumps that have a high HSPF rating as well.
Heat pumps with HSPF ratings that are high are more expensive at first however they will pay for themselves over time with substantial energy savings. They also help reduce greenhouse gasses and improve the environment.
There are a variety of factors that affect a heat pump's energy efficiency, including its size and how it's placed in the home. A buffer tank, for instance one that allows warmer return water to mix in with cooler supply water may reduce efficiency. This is especially relevant if it doesn't include a thermostatic mixing valve.
The design and insulation of the ductwork in the heat pump is a different aspect to be considered. The heat pump will need to perform harder if the ducts do not function properly or are not adequately insulated. In some instances the technician might be able to correct this problem by cleaning the evaporator's coil or adjusting the refrigerant charge.
Installation
A heat pump is a central heating and air system that cools your home like an air conditioner however, it also provides heating. It is a replacement for traditional heating methods, such as gas furnaces. A Carrier expert can help you select the right heat pump for your home and climate.
The heat pump has the benefit of being able to work in mild climates. This is not true for other heating systems. This is because the heat pump draws in air to provide warmth. This air can come from the ground, the air inside your home, or the air outside your home dependent on the kind of heat pump you choose.
The main function of a heat pump is to draw the same amount of energy from the home's air as it does for cooling. It accomplishes this by using a reversing valve to change the direction of the flow of refrigerant. The air is blown across an evaporator coil that transfers the heat from the air to the refrigerant. The reversing valve then changes the direction of the flow to condenser coil. This transfer the heat to the air inside and the cycle starts again.
If you're thinking of installing the installation of a heat pump in your home, consider getting a few in-home consultations from different installation companies. Compare the costs and energy ratings of each. This will give you a good idea of the cost and benefits as well as the long-term reliability of each heat pump installation.
Your local Carrier expert can assist you in the installation of a new heat pump by correctly sizing and arranging it for the best performance. They can evaluate the specific needs of cooling and heating in your home, as well as the size and condition of your ductwork. This helps them select the ideal heat pump for your home and budget.
A HVAC professional can help you improve your home to increase its efficiency in energy use. This can assist you in saving more energy with your new system. For instance, upgrading your insulation and fixing air leaks can make your heat pump run longer throughout winter, allowing it to draw in air from the colder outdoor.
Maintenance
Like cars, heat pumps require regular maintenance to ensure their performance is at its best. Two maintenance visits per year, one in the spring and the other in the fall, will ensure that your system run smoothly during heating season. A heat pump that isn't working correctly will require more energy to achieve the same level of comfort as a well maintained system, which can result in more monthly utility bills.
You can perform a variety of home maintenance tasks to increase the effectiveness of your heat pump 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 keep the heat pump operating less efficiently to circulate the same amount of air. Keep outdoor units clear of debris, foliage and wildlife to prevent obstructions to airflow. This will also improve the efficiency of your heat pump.
Another easy maintenance tip to be aware of is to inspect your heat pump for tripped circuit breakers or fuses, as well as fuse blows that could be the result of an electrical overheat or ignition issue that requires expert attention. It's also important to test the thermostat frequently to ensure it's operating at the right temperature and not causing the system to overdrive.
If you hear strange noises coming from your heat pump, it is often a sign of a clogged air duct or dirty blower fan that will require professional help. It is recommended to regularly clean the evaporator coils, which will help reduce dust accumulation and increase airflow. Make sure that the condensate drainage area is free of debris to prevent blockages, leaks and fire hazards.
Repair and maintenance costs vary according to the type of system you have and its age, as well as the ease of access to technicians. For instance, smaller systems that are designed to heat and cool one room are typically less expensive to fix than larger units that offer cooling for an entire house. Access to a heat-pump located in a crawlspace can affect repair and maintenance costs.
