When it comes time to upgrade your heating system, there are a lot of factors to consider. A heat pump is a great option for many homeowners in Gregory, TX, but it’s important to ask a few questions before making your purchase. Below are five questions to ask before you buy a new heat pump:
Your heat pump sizing depends on the square footage of your home. A unit that’s too small will have to work harder to heat your home, leading to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear. Conversely, a unit that’s too large will cycle on and off more frequently, leading to increased wear and tear and decreased efficiency.
When shopping for a heat pump, you’ll want to look for a unit with a high HSPF rating. The HSPF, or heating season performance factor, measures the heat pump’s efficiency over an entire heating duration. A higher HSPF rating means more savings on your energy bills.
Thermostat technology has come a long way in recent years, and many newer heat pumps come with built-in thermostats. This may be a feature worth considering if you don’t already have a thermostat. A thermostat maintains the desired temperature in your home and can be automatically set to adjust the temperature based on your schedule.
As with any major purchase, you’ll want to ensure that your heat pump has a warranty. Most manufacturers offer comprehensive warranties that cover parts and labor, but it’s important to read the fine print to understand what is and isn’t covered. Understand the terms and conditions of your warranty as well as the duration of coverage before you make your purchase.
Of course, the cost is always a factor when making a major purchase. Heat pumps range in price depending on size, efficiency and features. You need to work within your budget to find the best unit for your needs.
Once you’ve considered these questions, you’re ready to start shopping for your new heat pump. Contact Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning Co. to learn more about our heat pumps and get help finding the perfect one for your home. We’ll ensure that your heat pump installation and size are correct so you can enjoy many years of comfortable, efficient heating as well as cooling in the summer.
Image provided by iStock
Heat pumps are one of the most effective ways to shrink your home’s carbon footprint and your utility bills at a time of rising electricity and natural gas costs. The technology can heat and cool homes, and supply hot water.
A high-efficiency electric heat pump that replaces a fossil fuel furnace or boiler resembles an air conditioner unit and is installed outside the house. To heat the home, a liquid refrigerant in a copper coil extracts heat from the atmosphere as warm air naturally moves toward the cold. The heat transforms the refrigerant into a cold gas; a compressor then pressurizes the gas, raising its temperature and heating the air inside the house. In the summer, the appliance cools a home by absorbing heat from inside and transferring it outside. Heat pumps are up to four times as efficient as natural gas furnaces since they merely move heat from one place to another rather than burn fuel.