What is a heat pump?
In air conditioning, heating and ventilation, a heat pump refers to a vapor compression refrigeration machine enhanced for optimum efficiency for a transfer of thermal energy. Heat pumps can take in heat from a cool location, and then discharge the heat into a warmer location. Reversible heat pumps can provide cooling or heating in either thermal direction. When the pump is in heating mode, the indoor coil becomes a condenser, and the outdoor coil becomes an evaporator. When the pump is in cooling mode, the indoor coil becomes the evaporator and the outdoor coil becomes a condenser. The bottom line is that heat pumps can help your home stay comfortable no matter what’s going on outside.
How are they rated?
If you’re a homeowner looking for some help with air cooling or heating, it’s important to know how heat pumps are categorized and rated. When a heat pump is in a heating mode, it is rated by HSPF, which measures how efficiently the pump heats. When a heat pump’s in cooling mode, it’s rated by SEER, which is a measure of how efficiently the pump cools.
What questions should you ask before purchasing a heat pump?
- Ask which system is right for you based on an economic analysis of heat pumps. Factors to consider are:
- Efficiency and purchase price
- The cooling and heating load requirements of your home or place of business
- The cost of your fuel
- Do you need to replace ductwork as well? This might be necessary if you’re going to replace an existing air conditioner or forced air furnace with a heat pump
With so many options and considerations, trust the pros at Jon Wayne Heating and Air to guide you through the process of finding the best system to fit your situation. Contact us to make an appointment today!
