A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system that regulates your home’s temperature year-round to keep you comfortable. It works by drawing heat into the building during a cold season and expelling heat in the hot season. If you’re considering installing one in Fairdale, KY, there are a few things you need to understand about buying a heat pump.
Types of Heat Pumps
There are three main categories of heat pumps for an HVAC system: split-ductless heat pumps, air-source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. To determine the right type for you, you need to understand how all types work and their benefits.
Split-ductless heat pump systems are ideal for homes without ducts as they do not require ductwork. Split-ductless heat pumps are quiet, use less energy, offer design flexibility and operate using a remote control.
Air-source heat pumps use an outdoor unit to extract heat from the air. ASHPs are the most common heat pumps. They function well in temperate climates, take up little space and dehumidify better than standard air conditioners.
Ground source heat pumps use underground pipes to extract heat from the earth in cold seasons and dump excess heat outside in the summer. GSHPs are more expensive to install but are long-lasting, up to about 25 years. They work well in extreme climates and require little maintenance. GSHPs are not practical for certain soil conditions such as dry, sandy soil, which transfers heat poorly.
Choosing the Right Heat Pump Size
When it comes to heat pumps, getting the right size is crucial. If the heat pump you choose is too big or too small for your home, it will not heat and cool effectively, increasing your energy bill. A professional will do the calculations for you to determine the appropriate heat pump size for your home.
The average home needs a heat pump output of between 4kW and 16kW; the bigger the home, the higher the output needed. A bungalow and a terrace home may need a different size of the heat pump. Additionally, some types and sizes of rooms in your home influence the size of the heat pump needed; bathrooms, for example, need a higher temperature to be a comfortable environment.
Seasonal Outdoor Temperature
Different heat pumps operate at their best under different temperature conditions. Air-source heat pumps are the most affected by seasonal weather as these pumps operate by drawing latent heat in the air outside to heat your home.
The colder the seasonal temperatures, the harder the heat pump will work to produce heat. Consequently, the colder the temperature, the bigger the heat pump you will need.
Insulation and Heat Losses
Poor insulation in your home means that your home leaks heat, preventing your heat pump from adequately heating your home. If your home loses more heat than it retains and key areas in your house are not well insulated, you will need to get a bigger heat pump to sustain your heating needs. Before you get a heat pump, ensure that your home meets the minimum insulation levels to comply with building regulations.
Size of Radiators and Underfloor Heating
Flow temperature refers to the temperature the water needs to be when circulating radiators in your home, giving your home the perfect temperature. The size of the radiators and underfloor heating affect the flow temperature. The smaller the radiators, the higher the flow temperature; small radiators mean you need a bigger heat pump.
As you prepare to get your heat pump, compare heat pump prices, carry out research on the reviews of heat pumps and understand the different heat pump brands that exist to make well-informed choices. Our HVAC professionals offer comprehensive heat pump installation services to serve you. Contact One Choice Mechanical today and get started learning more about the best heat pump for your home in Fairdale, KY.
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