Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling for your home. They are a renewable energy source and can reduce carbon emissions. It is important to find out about the economics of heat pumps in your area. Then, consult with an energy advisor or contractor before deciding on which type of system to install. If you want to be more environmentally friendly, consider installing a solar-powered system. Adding solar panels to your roof can help you achieve zero net energy.
Generally, heat pumps can produce more efficient results in climates with cooler outdoor temperatures. However, the amount of cooling produced can vary widely depending on how much heat is lost or gained. As such, the actual SEER or HSPF values depend on the design of the system.
There are two main types of heat pumps: ground-source and air-source. For ground-source systems, the refrigerant is circulated in a closed loop through a series of buried plastic pipes. This Heat Pump system is often called a secondary loop. In addition, ground-source systems must be installed by a qualified contractor. Depending on your location, you may need special planning permissions.
Air-source systems use a reversible valve to switch between cooling and heating modes. Most manufacturers recommend that you direct the airflow downward when heating. During the cooling cycle, the outdoor fan is turned off to reduce the amount of heat required to melt frost.
You can also choose to install a heat pump in your home without ducts. If you prefer to avoid the hassle and expense of a ducted system, a horizontal loop can be installed. A horizontal loop uses a series of trenches that are approximately 150-600 mm wide.
In order to prevent damaging the environment, a heat pump must be properly designed and installed. In addition, the piping system must be thermally fused and have good earth-to-pipe contact. Installing a heat pump without a ground heat exchanger can decrease the system’s performance over time.
When choosing a heat pump, it is important to determine how much electricity you will need to operate the device. If you live in a colder climate, you will need a larger unit to compensate for the loss of heat from your home. In contrast, if you live in a warmer climate, you will require a smaller unit to ensure that your utility bills are not increased.
Some states offer rebates for installing heat pumps, while some utility companies offer incentives. Check with your local utility provider to see if they have any programs in place. Having a professional perform an estimate can ensure that your new system is installed properly.
Choosing the right size is also critical to getting the most out of your heat pump. If you don’t get the size you need, you will be wasting money and energy. Additionally, if your house is poorly insulated, you will have to work harder to keep your energy costs down.
The performance of your heat pump depends on the temperature of the source and sink. You can minimize energy usage and maximize the amount of heat pump you can provide by selecting a supplemental system with a lower temperature set-point.