Energy Efficient Heat Pump Technology
When powered with clean electricity (as generated by solar, wind or an alternative source of gas that is cleaner), heat pumps can reduce the carbon emissions of heating homes by around 75 percent.
Today, advances in refrigerant gases and other components mean that new models are even more efficient. They're also getting smaller and sleeker, blending in more seamlessly with the interior of your home.
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are more efficient than electric resistance furnaces and other furnaces because they utilize the ambient heat in the air to warm homes instead of burning fuel. Their energy efficiency is measured by the coefficient of performance, or COP. A high COP means that a single kWh of electricity will provide many kilowatt hours of heat. Heat pumps today have a COP of around four. This means that a single kWh could generate four kWh.
This means that, even in cold climates heat pumps have the potential to drastically reduce carbon emissions from heating buildings. To cut down on emissions, heat pumps must make use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This will increase the energy efficiency of heat pumps, allowing them to run on less fossil fuels.
The efficiency of a heat source is dependent on the temperature of its two reservoirs, the indoor and outdoor storage tanks. In cooling mode, a heat pump uses its refrigerant, and draws heat from the air to move between the storage tanks. When the system shifts from heating to cooling the flow is reversed. The outdoor coil becomes the evaporator, and the inside coil functions as a condenser. The reversing valving reverses the direction of electrical current flowing through the fluid which is now acting as a compressor. The increased electrical power causes the working fluid to expand and push the heat from the outside into the house.
If the conditions are right, a heat pump could 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 the technology advances and new models are developed, they are designed to cater to a wider range of climates in mind. Certain models are made to withstand freezing temperatures while others have furnaces built in to be used in the most severe conditions.
Some utilities and governments offer incentives like discounts or special rates on electricity for homeowners who choose to switch to heat pumps. They are also testing ways to harness the flexibility of these appliances by using them to absorb and store renewable energy, or by remunerating consumers for helping to shift their peak demand away fossil fuels.
Efficiency Ratings
The efficiency ratings of heat pumps are a crucial consideration for consumers. They are a great way to compare a heat pump to another and ensure sure you're buying the best quality equipment. The most popular ratings are SEER and HSPF. These ratings show how well a heatpump works during the cooling and heating seasons. Other ratings that are helpful include ERP, EER, SCOP IPLV, NPLV, and NPLV.
The EER rating of the heat pump is a measurement for how efficiently it uses electrical energy to produce cooling. The EER rating is determined by the cooling output when compared to the electrical input. Higher ratings indicate better efficiency. The best place to start when searching for a brand new heat pump is with one that has a high EER rating.
While the minimum SEER allowed at present is 13, it's worth investing in a model that has a higher rating. Over time it will result in lower energy bills and consumption.
Generation X was born in the midst of the oil crisis and have been the driving force behind the demand for more efficient appliances. Since 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy has set 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 a high HSPF rating as well.
Heat pumps with high HSPF ratings are more expensive at first, but will pay for themselves over time with substantial energy savings. They also reduce greenhouse gases and improve the environment.
There are many factors that can impact the energy efficiency of a heater, including its size and how it's 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 especially the case if it does not have a thermostatic mixing valve.
The design and insulation of the ductwork that is on a heat pump is another factor to consider. If the ducts are not properly constructed or not insulated, they can decrease the airflow of the heat pump and force it to be more difficult to reach the desired temperature. In some cases technicians may be able fix this problem by cleaning the evaporator coil, or altering the refrigerant charge.
Installation
A heat pump is an air conditioning and heating system that can cool your home much like an air conditioner. It is an alternative to traditional heating methods, such as gas furnaces. A Carrier expert will assist you choose the best heat pump for your home and climate.
One of the main advantages of the heat pump is that it can work effectively in moderate climates, unlike other heating systems. This is because the heat pump draws in ambient air to provide warmth. The air could be drawn from the ground, air inside your home, or air outside, depending on which type of heat pump is selected.
The primary purpose of a heat pump is to draw the same energy from the air inside your house which it uses to cool your home. This is achieved by using a reversing valance to alter the direction in which the refrigerant flows. Air is blown over an evaporator coil, which transfers the heat from the air to the refrigerant. The reversing valve is then able to change the direction of the flow to a condenser coil. The heat is then transferred to the indoor air and the cycle is then initiated again.
Consider getting several in-home consultations from different installation companies if you're considering a heat pump. Compare the prices and energy ratings of each company. This will give a good idea of the costs as well as the benefits and reliability of each heat-pump installation.
Your local Carrier expert can assist you with the installation of a brand new heat pump by correctly sizing and arranging it for maximum performance. They will assess 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 ideal heat pump for your home and budget.
In addition to ensuring that the heat pump is the appropriate size for your home An HVAC professional can advise you on how to upgrade your house to improve its efficiency in energy use. This can help you save even more energy with your new system. Improved insulation and air leaks, for example can allow your heat pump to continue to run longer in winter. This is due to the fact that it draws air from the colder air outside.
Maintenance
Heat pumps, like cars, need regular maintenance to ensure that they perform at their best. Two scheduled maintenance visits per year--once in the spring and in the fall will aid in the proper functioning of your system throughout the heating season. A heating system that isn't working properly will likely need to use more energy to maintain the same comfort level as a well-maintained unit, which will result in higher utility costs each month.
heat pump tumble dryer can do several home maintenance tasks to increase the efficiency of your heat pump and extend its lifespan. For instance cleaning your indoor air filter monthly (or replacing it with reusable filters) can improve the quality of your indoor air and keep the heat pump operating less efficiently to circulate the same amount of air. Clearing outdoor units of debris, foliage and wildlife can also prevent obstructions to airflow and 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 and fuse blows that could be the result of an electrical overload or ignition problem that needs professional attention. It is also crucial to check the thermostat on a regular basis to ensure that it is operating at the right temperature and is not leading to the system to go into overdrive.
If you hear strange noises emanating from your heating system it could be an indication of a blocked air duct or dirty fan that needs professional service. It's a good idea also to cleanse the evaporator coils on a regular basis. This will reduce dust accumulation and help improve airflow. Make sure that the condensate drainage is free of any debris to avoid obstructions leaks, fire hazards and leaks.
Maintenance and repair costs differ according to the type of system you have as well as its age and how easily it can be accessed to technicians. For example, smaller systems made to cool and heat a single room are generally less expensive to repair than larger systems that can cool the entire house. The location of a heat pump in a crawlspace will also influence the cost of maintenance and repair.