Check out this related article about heat pump troubleshooting. More environmentally friendly. As we mentioned earlier, the big drawback to heat pumps is that they lose efficiency in climates with extended periods where the temperature drops below freezing.
In an existing space, you might already have an old boiler in place that can be used only when needed. In a new space, you could install radiant floor heat. Depending on where you are and your specific heating and cooling needs, it may still be possible to save money on HVAC operating costs with newer heat pump technology.
An expert HVAC contractor can help you compare options and make the right choice. Learn more about: split system heat pumps in cold climates. A split system heat pump might cost several thousand dollars more than a traditional split system air conditioner. However, there is good news that you might not be aware of! Under the previous tax rules, businesses can depreciate the cost of capital equipment like HVAC systems over the life of the equipment typically many years for systems like heat pumps.
Now that makes a big difference in your cost! This is especially helpful for those who are replacing old R22 HVAC systems that are being phased out. Get this helpful guide that explains more.
What exactly is a heat pump? And is it the right choice for your space? A heat pump is basically an air conditioner that can also work in reverse to provide heat. In warm weather, the heat pump absorbs heat from the air inside and moves it outside, thereby providing air conditioning. In cooler weather, the heat pump provides heat by removing heat from the air outside and moving it inside. There's also more heat available outside in a moderate climate than in a cold climate.
It's important to note that even in a cold climate, there's still heat in the outside air to be pumped indoors, but the unit needs to work harder to extract the heat that's available. Supplemental energy may be required to make the heat pump produce enough warmth to comfortably heat your home when the temperature falls below freezing, and that's no good.
The heat produced by heat pumps isn't as intense as the heat produced by a gas or oil-burning furnace. People who are used to traditional furnaces can be uncomfortable with the milder heat produced by these systems. Other people prefer the warmth produced by heat pumps, because heat pumps distribute heat evenly throughout the house, meaning there are no cold spots.
A heat pump will also turn on and off less often than a gas furnace, and most systems have eliminated the blowing of cold air through the vents that used to occur when the system temporarily switched into reverse to defrost the coils. Before you install a heat pump, you'll need to consider what kind of supplemental or backup heating you may need to use when the heat pump can't work efficiently.
Many heat pumps use supplemental electrical heating, but you might also use some kind of oil burner or an adapted gas furnace. Whatever type of heating system is common in your area is likely the most efficient and cost-effective backup method.
You can always call your local utility company for information. Ground-source heat pumps are better dehumidifiers than normal air conditioners, because these systems typically have a larger, flat return coils that conditions and dehumidifies more air than the corresponding coil in an air-conditioning system.
Air-source heat pumps have about the same dehumidifying capabilities as air conditioning systems. If you have any humidifying or dehumidifying needs, take this into consideration. Now that you know the pros and the cons of heat pumps, read on to learn what to look for when you buy a heat pump.
When you start shopping for a heat pump, there are a few things you need to look for. Though many of these features can only be found on more expensive heat pumps, they make up for the initial expense by helping heat pumps work more efficiently and save more energy throughout the pump's life. So you now know how to buy a heat pump, but will it really save you money?
The cost to install and run different kinds of heat pumps varies quite a bit. Geothermal heat pumps are more expensive to install than air-source heat pumps, as much as three times as much, because ground-source pumps require you to dig down to a heat source and involve more complex heat transfer systems.
That can get a little pricey depending on the terrain on your property. The cost required to run and repair a heat pump varies with the type of system. It's less expensive to run a ground-source heat pump because the ground and water have a relatively constant temperature that allows the heat pump to operate efficiently. Ground-source systems also have the advantage of not being exposed to the outdoor weather , which prevents a lot of wear and tear.
On the downside, they can be costly to repair if you need to access an underground portion of the system. Air-source systems are easy to access and service, but they may need more regular maintenance because they're exposed to the elements. Also, air-source heat pumps may use more supplemental energy to run, especially in colder climates, and this will cost you more on your utility bill.
Heat pumps may save you anywhere between 30 and 40 percent or more on your utility bill, but neglect will reduce a heat pump's efficiency over time [source: EERE ].
It's important to factor in the climate where you'll be using the heat pump to make sure you select a system that can run efficiently in your area. In the end, heat pumps can save you a lot of money on utilities if you're a good candidate and you install the right kind of pump for your area. If you use your heat pump on a regular basis, you should change the filter about once a month. You could probably get away with only changing the filter once every three months if you only run the unit periodically.
Keep fans and coils clean and free from debris, and have your heat pump inspected by a professional once every year or two. Common problems with heat pumps include low airflow, leaky or noisy ducts, temperature problems, using the wrong refrigerant charge, rattles, squeaks and grinding noises.
If you can, try to isolate the location of the problem. Is the airflow only low coming out of one register, or do all registers have low airflow? Is the offending noise coming from the air ducts or within the heat pump unit itself? There are a few things you can do to identify and possibly fix a heat pump problem before calling for professional help.
First, if the unit isn't working, try resetting its motor. Check the pump ignition system for problems, and make sure you don't have a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Check the thermostat to make sure it's working properly. Change the filter if it's dirty, and make sure there are no airflow blockages. If the air ducts are making noise when they expand and contract, you could try putting a dent in the side of the duct to make the surface more rigid.
Rattles may be fixed by fastening loose parts, and if you're hearing squeaks inside the unit, you may need to replace or adjust the fan belt connecting the motor and the fan. A grinding noise may indicate that the bearings on the motor are worn out, which will require the help of a professional to fix.
Keep in mind that if you aren't mechanically inclined then you probably shouldn't attempt to do this kind of repair work. And because heat pumps can contain hazardous materials, that's another good reason to get some professional assistance.
A chemical leak is bad news and you can easily injure yourself handling a broken device. A heat pump should last between 10 and 30 years, with geothermal units leading the way in longevity. In fact, some components of ground-source heat pumps can last even longer. Keep in mind that technology may change before your heat pump has worn out, so you may find your heat pump outlasts a technician's ability to service it. New technologies may make heat pumps safer or more efficient, so you may wish to keep an eye out for new kinds of heat pumps.
Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Home Improvement. Home DIY. Heating and Cooling. There are a few types of heat pumps on the market, but most models have a larger unit installed outside the home and a smaller, more compact or wall-mounted unit inside.
These types of heat pumps are called split-ductless. Other pumps have only one outside unit or have looped pipes beneath the ground.
No matter what the temperature is outside, a heat pump can gather heat located in the ground or air outside the home. The pump takes the heat into the system, compresses it to increase the temperature of a refrigerant, then pushes the hot air into the home. When the weather gets hotter, the system reverses and acts like an air conditioner; it moves heat from inside the home and transfers it outside.
Heat pumps use a variety of parts to run. There are two types of compressors: two-speed and scroll. The two-speed compressors help the pump reach an ideal temperature, and the scroll compressors work to compress the refrigerant to warm up the air. The main difference between an air-source pump and a ground-source or geothermal pump is the heat source. Air-source pumps have a unit outside the home and an internal piping system that extracts heat from the outside air and moves it indoors.
This type of heat pump can also be paired with an air-source hot water heat pump to provide homeowners with hot water. Ground-source heat pumps utilize a buried looped pipe system to gather and transfer heat from the ground.
These types of pumps are better suited for larger properties where there is enough space to install the pipes into the ground. Ground-source pumps are also more effective in the winter because they draw from consistent thermal energy underneath the ground. While heat pumps can certainly keep your house warm during the winter, they may take longer in areas where the climate is colder and can drop below freezing.
When a heat pump collects heat from outside, it becomes difficult once the air drops to a low enough temperature. The ground-source heat pumps will be more efficient during winters than the air-source pumps, but homeowners may want to consider a supplement to the heat pump if living in colder climates.
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