Energy Efficient Heat Pump Technology
Heating systems that are powered by clean electricity (such as solar, wind, or a cleaner gas source) can reduce household CO2 emissions from heating by up to 75 percent.
Today, advances in refrigerant gases as well as other components mean that new models are even more efficient. And they're getting smaller and sleeker to blend into the interior of your home.
Energy Efficiency
They are more efficient in energy use than electric resistance or other furnaces because they use ambient heat from the air to heat homes, instead of producing their own heat through burning fuel. Their energy efficiency can be measured using the coefficient of performance (COP). A high COP means that one kWh of electricity can provide many kilowatt hours of heat. Today, heat pumps have a COP of around four. heat pump tumble dryer means that one kWh could produce four kWh.
Heat pumps can help reduce carbon emissions by heating buildings, even in cold climates. To reduce emissions, heat pumps must make use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This will increase the efficiency of energy use by heat pumps, allowing them to be operated with less fossil fuels.
The efficiency of a heat pump is contingent on the temperature of its two reservoirs - the outdoor and indoor storage tanks. In cooling mode the heat pump utilizes its refrigerant and draws heat from the air to move between the storage tanks. When the system is switched to heating, it reverses this flow. The outdoor coil becomes the evaporator, whereas the inside coil functions as a condenser. The reversing valve also reverses the direction of electrical current flowing through the fluid, which is now acting as the compressor. The power generated by the increased electrical current causes the working fluid to expand, thereby pushing the warm air inside the house.
A heat pump can produce seven kilowatt hours of electricity for every kilowatt hour of energy used. The higher the COP, the more energy efficient it is.
As technology improves as technology advances, new models are created with a wider variety of climates in mind. Certain models are designed to withstand freezing temperatures, while others are paired with furnaces to be used in the harshest climates.
Some utilities and government agencies provide incentives to homeowners who make the switch from heat pumps to heat pumps, like rebates. Some are also experimenting with ways to make the most of the flexibility of these appliances by using them to store and absorb renewable energy, or to reward consumers for helping shift their peak demand away fossil fuels.
Efficiency Ratings
Consumers should be aware of the efficiency ratings of heat pumps. They're a great way to compare one heat pump to another and ensure sure you're buying quality equipment. The most popular ratings are HSPF and SEER. These ratings show how well a heater performs during the heating and cooling seasons. Other important ratings include SCOP ERP, EER, IPLV and NPLV.
A heat pump's EER rating is an indication 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 greater efficiency. When looking for a heat pump, begin with one that has an EER rating.
It's a good idea to invest even though the minimum SEER rating that is allowed currently is 13. This will result in lower energy costs and reduced energy consumption in the long run.
Generation X was born during the oil crisis and has been driving the trend towards more energy efficient appliances. Since 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy set the minimum standards for heat pumps that have HSF and SEER ratings. While SEER is the most commonly used cooling rating, it's important to look for heat pumps that have an HSPF rating that is high as well.
Heat pumps with high HSPF ratings are more expensive at first, but will be able to pay for themselves over time with substantial energy savings. They also help reduce greenhouse gases and improve the environment.
Many factors can influence the energy efficiency of a heat pump such as its size and the location it is placed in the home. For instance buffer tanks that allows warmer supply water to mix with cooler return water may reduce efficiency. This is particularly relevant if the mixing valve does not have an adjustable thermostat.
Another aspect to consider is how the heat pump's ductwork has been designed and insulated. The heat pump will have to perform harder when the ducts don't work properly or aren't insulated. In certain cases technicians may be able fix this problem by cleaning the evaporator coil or changing the refrigerant charge.
Installation
A heat pump is central heating and air system that cools your home like an air conditioner and also offers heating. It is a replacement for traditional heating methods such as gas furnaces. A Carrier expert can help you choose the best heat pump for your home and climate.
The heat pump has the advantage of working in mild climates. This is not true for other heating systems. The heat pump uses ambient air to heat the room. This air can be drawn 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 basic function of a heating system is that it can pull the same energy from the air in your house that it uses to cool your home. It does this by utilizing a reversing valve to change the direction of the refrigerant's flow. The air is blown across an evaporator coil that transports the heat from the air to the refrigerant. The reversing valve changes the direction of the flow to a condenser coil. The heat is then transferred to the indoor air, and the cycle begins again.
Take advantage of a few in-home consultations from different installation companies if you're thinking of installing the installation of a heat pump. Compare the costs and energy ratings of each. This will give you an idea of the prices, benefits, and long-term reliability of each heat pump installation.
Your local Carrier expert can help you with the installation of a new heat pump by correctly sizing and positioning it to ensure optimal performance. They can assess the cooling and heating requirements of your home as well as the dimensions, condition and age of your ductwork. This allows them to choose the most suitable heat pump for you and your budget.
In addition to ensuring the heat pump is the appropriate size for your home, an HVAC professional can also advise you about making improvements to your home to increase its energy efficiency. This will help you achieve even greater savings on energy costs from your new system. Upgraded insulation and air leaks, for instance, can allow your heat pump to continue to run longer in winter. This is due to the fact that it draws ambient air from the colder air outside.
Maintenance
Similar to your car, heat pumps require regular tune-ups to ensure maximum performance. Two scheduled maintenance visits per year - one in spring and again in the fall -- will help your system work properly throughout the heating season. A heat pump that isn't working correctly will require more electricity to achieve the same degree of comfort as a properly maintained unit, which will result in more monthly utility bills.
There are a number of household maintenance tasks to boost the efficiency of your heating system and extend its lifespan. Cleaning your air filters in the indoors monthly (or replacing them with reusable ones) will improve indoor air quality, and the heat pump will use less energy to circulate the air. Keep outdoor units clear of debris, foliage and wildlife to prevent airflow obstructions. This can also improve heat pump efficiency.
Another simple maintenance step to remember is to regularly inspect a heat pump for circuit breakers that have tripped or fuses as well as fuse blows that could be caused by an electrical overload or ignition problem that needs professional attention. Additionally, it's important to test your thermostat frequently to ensure it's operating at right temperature and not sending the system into overdrive.
If you hear strange sounds emanating from your heat pumps is usually a sign that the air ducts are clogged or the blower fan is dirty. This requires professional help. It is also a good idea to periodically clean the evaporator coils, which can reduce dust accumulation and increase airflow. Make sure that the condensate drainage is free of debris to avoid obstructions and leaks, as well as fire hazards.
Maintenance and repair costs can vary depending on your system, its age and the ease of access to a technician. For example, smaller systems made to cool and heat a single room are generally less costly to repair than large systems that can cool an entire home. The location of a heater in a crawlspace will also affect repair and maintenance costs.