Insulation, Installation And Sizing: Important Considerations When You're Choosing A Heat Pump

Winter will be here before you know it. That means it’s time to assess the condition of your heat pump and either service or replace it.

Here are a three things to keep in mind when evaluating your heat pump system:

Insulation

The climate in North Carolina is optimal for heat pumps. They can save you up to 40 percent on your energy bills, but only if they are properly insulated. Look for a high R-value, which measures thermal resistance, and an Energy Star label on the unit or the insulation.

Installation

Heat pumps can source their heat from a variety of places. Of course, air-sourced pumps are the most common, but they are not always the most efficient. Ground and water pumps can be more efficient and effective in some cases but can be more complex to install.

Sizing

It can be tough to get a truly accurate read on the size you’ll need.

• Discover your home’s heat loss. This is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and can vary widely depending on insulation, age of the home and several other factors
• Determine the heating design temperature in your area. If you know the average low temperature in your area, you can use that value. For a more accurate reading, let one of our HVAC experts assess the situation.
• Figure the heat pump’s capacity at the temperature you used for the heating design temperature. The manufacturer or service provider should have a chart that will make this easy.
• Subtract the value in Bullet #3 from the value in Bullet #1.

While this will help you get a rough estimate, proper sizing involves a complex method of calculations that should always be performed by a trained HVAC contractor. Always consult an experienced professional for accurate sizing that will be sufficient and efficient.

Contact your local HVAC experts at Blanton Heating and Air Conditioning. For over 60 years we have been providing the highest quality, most innovative, energy-efficient heating and cooling services and products to Fayetteville and the surrounding area. We look forward to the opportunity to provide the same level of excellent service to you.