Buying a Heat Pump: A Checklist

Buying a Heat Pump – What to Look for?

If you want to find the right heat pump that will last you years, you must ask all the right questions. Some points you need to consider when buying a heat pump are the size, the energy efficiency, and the cost. Keep reading to know in detail about each of the factors.

1. The Size of the Heat Pump You Would Need

Figuring out the right size heat pump for your home is important. You can do this by doing a Manual J load calculation or by estimating based on the size of your home.

Manual J Load Calculation

The Manual J load calculation is a math equation set by HVAC professionals. They look at different factors to determine how much heating or cooling your home needs. These factors include:

• The size of your home
• How high the ceilings are
• How well your home is insulated
• The climate where you live and how many days you need heating or cooling
• How you use the space (like if someone works from home)
• How many people are in your home
• Any appliances that give off heat
• The temperature you like to keep indoors
• How many doors and windows do you have on the outside

The technician takes all these factors and puts them into a formula. Then, they can figure out the exact size of your desired heat pump.

Square Footage Calculation

Another way to estimate your needed size is by looking at your home’s square footage. It’s not as precise, but it’s simpler. Usually, for every 500 square feet of space, you need one ton of cooling capacity.

For instance, if your home is 1500 square feet, you’d need a 3-ton unit. If it’s 2500 square feet, you’d need a 5-ton unit.

2. Energy Efficiency Rating to Look For

We suggest you purchase the most energy-efficient heat pump within your budget. The more energy-efficient and large your unit is, the higher the price. Although an energy-efficient heat pump will be higher in price, remember a more efficient unit can save you money on heating and cooling bills in the long run.

• SEER2: SEER2, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, is the latest version from 2023. It tells you how efficient an air conditioning unit or heat pump is at cooling. The higher the SEER2 rating, the better the unit is at cooling your space effectively.
• HSPF2: HSPF2, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, is the newest standard from 2023. It measures how well your heat pump can heat your home during the colder months. A higher HSPF2 rating means the unit is more efficient at heating your home.

3. Cost of a Heat Pump

This part is difficult to answer as we need to know certain factors to answer this. We need to know the size of your home and the type or brand of unit you want to be able to give you a price estimate. The cost of installing a heat pump is more than a standard heading and cooling system with an outdoor AC unit and an indoor furnace system.

But as soon as you install an energy-efficient heat pump, your energy bills will be reduced immediately and stay lower for as long as your system lasts. Plus, you might qualify for federal tax credits of up to $2,000 if you choose an Energy Star-rated heat pump, making it a smart investment for your home.

4. Which brand should you choose?

If you are confused about which brand of heat pump you must buy, here is something you can do. Firstly, research reputable brands in the industry. Check out their online reviews on Consumer Reports websites to see what people say about different brands. Pay attention to things like brand reputation, reliability, and quality.

You can also get suggestions from your local HVAC installation company. Since they have been in this business for a long time, they can tell you more clearly about which brands provide the best services in your area. You can also ask your neighbors for the brand name if they use a heat pump system in their homes.

Get a Dual Fuel System

While heat pumps are more commonly used in warmer states, they can still work in colder climates if you install a dual-fuel system.

Here’s how it works

You install a cold climate heat pump that can efficiently operate in colder temperatures. This heat pump is connected to a gas furnace, which only kicks in during extreme cold when the heat pump alone can’t keep up. This setup gives you the heat pump’s energy efficiency while saving on the cost of natural gas or propane. Plus, you’ll have air conditioning for those hot summer days, which are becoming more common in northern areas.

Get a Mini-Split Heat Pump/Ductless Heat Pump

A mini-split heat pump, also known as a ductless heat pump, is a heating and cooling system designed for rooms or spaces without ductwork. This could include a garage, enclosed porch, attic, or lake cabin.

Options include

• Single-zone mini-split heat pump for heating and cooling one space, such as a garage or enclosed porch.
• Multi-split ductless systems that can heat and cool up to five spaces without needing ductwork. This can be a great option for remote cabins, older buildings, or historic homes where installing ductwork would be too expensive.

Read More About:

• Difference between Humidifier and Dehumidifier
• Is air duct cleaning necessary?
• Is it Worth it to Repair a Water Heater?
• What is the Most Energy-Efficient HVAC system?
• What Does an HVAC Technician Do?

Takeaway

If you have been planning to buy a heat pump soon, we hope this checklist has been of great help to you. A heat pump will help you stay comfortable year-round while being kind to your wallet and the environment. Considering the size, energy efficiency, and cost, you can make a well-informed decision to meet your home’s needs and long-term goals.

And here’s a big tip: always hire a professional HVAC company to install your heat pump. If it’s not installed right, you could have problems later on. So, getting it done by the pros is the best way to go.

Want to install your heat pump professionally in Sacramento? Call Heald Mechanical!

Are you considering installing a heat pump to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient? Getting it installed with the help of certified HVAC technicians will be the best way to go about it. Our team of skilled professionals in Sacramento ensures your heat pump is installed correctly and functions at its best. Don’t risk DIY mishaps, and trust the experts at Heald Mechanical, Sacramento, to get the job done right. Schedule your heat pump installation with us today for a comfortable and hassle-free heat pump installation!