Buying and installing a new heat pump is a large and important project that will have consequences for your home for years to come. Since these systems can both heat and cool air, they will be useful through both the summers and winters in Perdido, FL. That being the case, here are five crucial questions that you should ask when choosing a new heat pump.
1. How Efficient Is It?
Heat pumps are already generally well-known for being efficient relative to most traditional HVAC systems, but there are also some important efficiency differences between heat pumps to think about. When looking at efficiency, there are two important numbers that you should always focus on: the system’s SEER and HSPF ratings. The former stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and measures how efficient an air conditioning unit is, and the latter stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor and measures how efficient a heating system is.
Since heat pumps have both heating and cooling modes, they will carry both kinds of ratings. As a general rule, the higher these ratings are, the better.
Another aspect of efficiency concerns your heat pump’s compressor, which compresses the refrigerant that moves through the system and is the main mechanism through which heating and cooling happen. A variable-speed compressor is best because it can adapt to the needs dictated by different kinds of weather conditions.
2. How Big Is It?
Your heat pump must be of the proper size for your home; otherwise, efficiency and performance issues will plague you for as long as you use that system. A heat pump that’s too small may never turn off, and one that is too large may be prone to short cycling. Before installation, a team of HVAC technicians should perform a manual J-load calculation in your home to determine how large or how small your heat pump should be.
3. What Is the Warranty Like?
Heat pump manufacturers can offer quite a variety of warranties for their systems, and it’s worthwhile to be cognizant of these differences. Some warranties will last longer than others, and some will cover only the cost of parts, while others may cover both parts and labor. Most manufacturers’ warranties also come with the condition that you will not be able to use them unless you can show proof of having scheduled professional maintenance for the system at least once per year.
4. How Much Does It Cost?
This question’s importance is obvious, but we’d like to stress that you should consider it in conjunction with other questions. To make a wise decision, you’ll have to weigh a heat pump’s up-front installation cost against its efficiency and its potential to bring you long-term savings on energy.
5. Do You Need a New Thermostat?
If you’re upgrading to a new heat pump, it makes sense to upgrade your thermostat as well. Getting a new thermostat will only increase the effectiveness of your heat pump.
The latest programmable thermostats have all kinds of features meant to maximize convenience and efficiency, like recovery mode, Wi-Fi integration and precise sensors and controls. If it’s been a decade or two since you’ve replaced your home comfort system, then your thermostat likely doesn’t have these features.
A programmable thermostat will also constantly gather diagnostic information about the state of your heat pump and can display certain indicators on its screen that will alert you to problems. This information will enable you to request professional repairs in a timely manner and will also guide professional HVAC technicians in their quest to fix your system.
Buying a new heat pump for your home in Perdido, FL is not something to take lightly. Thinking about questions like the ones above will put you in the proper frame of mind to make a wise decision. Call Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating to schedule heating installation services.
Image provided by iStock
