Purchasing a high-efficiency heat pump and having it installed by a trained professional is an investment that will benefit you for many years to come. Follow these guidelines for top heat pump performance.
Choosing the best heat pump
An over-sized heat pump will cycle on and off frequently, resulting in excessive wear on components. Contractors must use sizing calculations established by the heat pump industry to determine the correct capacity for your home. Do not trust a contractor who guesses at the correct size.
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) indicate the efficiency of the heat pump in heating and cooling, respectively. The U.S Department of Energy gives the Energy Star® rating to units with an HSPF of at least 8.2 and a SEER of at least 14.5.
Location of outside unit
The north side of your home is the preferred location for your outside unit. If that is not possible, choose a shady location with no obstructions within 10 feet of the sides and top. It needs to be level to operate smoothly and quietly. Before installing the heat pump, speak to your contractor about whether to use a concrete or plastic pad. Cheap plastic pads crack and chip. A concrete pad that is too heavy may settle and cause the unit to be out of level.
Insulation and duct work
Proper insulation and energy-efficient windows will reduce the work load on your heat pump. Ducts located in the attic or crawl space should be insulated to R-8. Pull on the duct work after installing the heat pump to make sure it is fastened and sealed. Properly installed duct work should have air leakage of 5 percent or less.
Contact Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning Incorporated for more expert tips. We offer the most reliable, energy-efficient air conditioning and furnace equipment available. Our trained professionals have been serving the greater Los Angeles area since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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