How to Compare Heat Pumps
A heat pump can be used in place of a furnace to heat a home. Instead of generating heat through electricity, the heat pump draws solar energy from outdoors and converts it into usable heat. These units are generally much more energy-efficient than furnace-based systems, which can result in lower energy bills. Because they use very little electricity, these units are also considered more environmentally-friendly than other heating systems. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Learn how heat pumps are sized. As a general rule of thumb, you heat pump should provide 1 ton of heating for every 400 to 500 square feet of living space. Your heating requirements may be different, however, depending on your local climate and the construction of your home. Refer to the sites listed in the Resources section to understand how to size a heat pump more precisely.
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Review warranty and service options for each model. Look for a unit that comes with at least a five-year guarantee on both materials and labor.
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Look for the energy-efficiency rating for each heat pump. This rating may be shown as EER or SEER. Higher ratings mean a more efficient heat pump, which means the unit will cost less to operate each month. Look for a unit with an EER of 14 or better to enjoy maximum efficiency levels.
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Determine the quality of each unit. Higher-quality heat pumps will have features such as copper piping and galvanized casing. Lower-quality units may have aluminum piping and casing, which will corrode more quickly, resulting in more maintenance or a shorter product lifespan.
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Look into how much space each unit will require for installation, both inside and outside your home. Check into whether each manufacturer has a dedicated team of professional installers. You can generally expect higher quality and fewer problems when installation is performed by the manufacturer rather than being delegated to a subcontractor.
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Check what type of refrigerant is used in each system. Many heat pumps use a chemical called Freon 22. This substance is being phased out by the Environmental Protection Agency. As of 2010, manufacturers may no longer produce Freon 22, though remaining supplies can be used through 2020. If your heat pump uses this refrigerant, you will not be able to use it past 2020, and you may have trouble with refills and service.
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Evaluate noise levels. The heat pump must be connected to fans that distribute air throughout the home. Check the noise rating for each unit to determine whether noise levels are a concern.
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