Which Heat Pump is Best?
The popularity of Heat Pumps has risen dramatically over recent years. This has not been purely for their high energy efficiency ratings, but is also due to the numerous practical, convenient, and environmentally friendly benefits that ownership and installation can bring.
Heat Pumps can be used for Heating
The most obvious benefit of a heat pump system is its ability to provide warmth. This can be achieved with the simple touch of a button: at the wall; or on the remote; and even from the comfort of your chair. Heat pumps can very quickly increase the temperature of a room.
Heat Pumps can be used for Cooling i.e. Air Conditioning
The “reverse cycle” in the full name of a heat pump refers to its ability to work backwards. In addition to extracting heat energy from outside and bringing this in to your home, your heat pump also has the ability to extract heat from inside your home and transfer this outside (in exactly the same way as a fridge works). The term “Air Conditioning” is more commonly used for the cooling cycle or function of your heat pump.
Heat Pumps control the climate
Your comfort is the single most important feature of a heat pump, and you are in control. Although most of us are comfortable living within a small bandwidth of temperature all year round (20-23 degrees C whether heating or cooling) we all have our own definition of warm enough or cool enough. A heat pump provides you with the ability to easily control and maintain your climate to your own exacting levels.
Heat Pumps are convenient
A heat pump enables you to increase or decrease the temperature of your room, or switch from heating to cooling in an instant and at the push of a button. Heat pumps can heat up or cool down a room within a few minutes, then, once the room reaches your preferred temperature, the heat pump will maintain that temperature for as long as you require it to. You can even leave your heat pump on when you go out and it won’t cost you a fortune to have the luxury of returning home to a comfortable temperature. Many heat pumps have the additional benefit of programmable timers which allow you to warm up your room prior to getting up on a cold morning or before your return from work.
Heat pumps don’t create smoke, ashes, moisture or any other waste material for you to remove. There are no trips required outside in the cold and rain for wood or pellets or to the petrol station to fill up your gas bottle. When cooling or dehumidifying your home there is no need to empty the reservoir of water as your heat pump is plumbed in and has a permanent drain to the outside.
Heat Pumps are safe
Unlike gas heating or wood burners, there are no flames or hot surfaces that children or pets can touch and burn themselves on. They can also be safely left on while you’re out or asleep.
Heat Pumps do not burn oxygen
Gas heaters need oxygen in order for gas to burn and release its heat energy. This can cause stuffy rooms and condensation on windows. Heat Pumps on the other hand do not need oxygen as they merely transfer heat energy from one place to another. Heat Pumps enable you to create just the right indoor environment tailored to your own personal preferences.
Heat Pumps improve air quality
Heat pumps don’t create smoke or add any fumes to the air. Also, as your Heat Pump circulates the air in your room, the filters clean and purify the air removing dust, mold spores, odours, smoke and other particles. They are excellent for people who suffer from asthma and allergies.
Heat Pumps add value $
As Heat Pumps become more popular, they are adding value to your home. A warm, dry, comfortable environment with the addition of air conditioning will always be first choice over a house without such sought after benefits.
Heat Pumps save space
Unlike a fire your heat pump does not need centre stage or to become a focal point in your room (taking up valuable floor space). Also there is no need to sit near the unit in order to benefit from the heat as the air in the room is warmed and circulated for the benefit of all.
Heat Pumps are very energy efficient
Heat Pumps are currently the most cost-effective form of heating using electricity and most good quality systems achieve average COP (Coefficient of Performance) figures of four or more. This means that to achieve four kilowatts of heating or cooling power, they use an average of less than one kilowatt of electricity.
A conventional heating system such as an electric fire or gas boiler has a COP of less than one. This means that it burns more than one kilowatt of power to produce a kilowatt of heating power. The higher the COP the cheaper a heating appliance is to run. In comparison to other forms of heating, Heat Pumps offer the most energy efficient heating with between 300% to 400% efficiency.
In dollar terms this means a Heat Pump is one of the cheapest methods to heat a home. By comparison: for every $1 you spend you get the following equivalent heat output:
- Gas 0.82c
- Electric Bar Heater 0.98c
- Wood Burners 0.45c
- Heat Pump $3 – $4
- Heat Pumps are “eco-friendly”
The combustion process of wood burners causes fumes, soot and smoke which provide a major burden on the environment in terms of its carbon emissions. As the Heat Pump does not burn anything at the heat energy source, there are no additional carbon emissions other then the small amount of electrical energy required to run the compressor. Heat Pumps are environmentally friendly – most new heat pumps use R410A refrigerant which does not harm the ozone layer if released and is also more energy efficient.
Heat Pumps reduce condensation
During summer, when you are using your heat pump for cooling, the room is automatically dehumidified as a function of the Heat Pump. As the warm air circulates through the unit moisture forms on the cold surface of the coil and then drains outside.
During winter the heat pump prevents condensation forming on cold surfaces such as windows by circulating warm air around the room similar to demisting a car windscreen on a cold morning.
FAQs
Do you need a ventilation system if you have a heat pump? ›
For the most comfortable and healthy environment your home is likely to need both a heating device such as a heat pump and a mechanical ventilation system to ensure adequate fresh air is being circulated through your home. Neither system alone will do both to a high enough level to make them a one-stop solution.
What HVAC system qualifies for tax credit 2023? ›Starting January 1, 2023, you may be eligible for the new and improved 25C Energy Efficiency Home Improvement tax credit, and it's a $2,000 federal income tax credit for heat pump HVAC systems.
Is it better to have a heat pump or air conditioner? ›Heat pumps are more energy efficient since they pump out more cool and warm air by volume than the energy it takes to run them. Heat pumps require minimal upkeep and only require twice-a-year maintenance.
What is the benefit of a heat pump system? ›Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners for all climates. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer.
What is the most effective ventilation system for a home? ›Place a fan as close as possible to an open window blowing outside. This helps get rid of virus particles in your home by blowing air outside. Even without an open window, fans can improve air flow. Point fans away from people.
Is a ventilation system worth it? ›Ventilation is crucial for healthy living.
The continuous flow of air into a room prevents stagnation and provides a healthy living environment. Northland's climate means a lack of ventilation can quickly produce dampness (crying windows) and stale air.
Tax Section 25C, Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit
Effective Jan 1, 2023: Provides a tax credit to homeowners equal to 30% of installation costs for the highest efficiency tier products, up to a maximum of $600 for qualified air conditioners and furnaces, and a maximum of $2,000 for qualified heat pumps.
It has the potential to pay off in the future. While you can't deduct home improvements like installing a new HVAC unit the year it occurred, you can include these types of expenses to the cost basis of your home.
Can you write off a new AC unit on your taxes? ›Non-Business Energy Tax Credit.
This tax credit can be claimed for any eligible home improvements you made in 2022. The credit covers 10% of the cost of the equipment, including items such as home insulation, exterior doors, electric heat pumps, and central air conditioning systems.
A key drawback of air source heat pumps is that they simply don't provide the same level of heat that some homeowners have grown to expect. Although this sounds bad, it simply means this is a heating system that is best suited to underfloor heating and radiators.
Can a heat pump cool a house in 100 degree weather? ›
If outdoor temperatures reach extreme highs of 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit, then the heat pump's efficiency will be affected, and it will be less able to provide comfortable cooling abilities.
Is it cheaper to heat or cool with a heat pump? ›Heat pumps use less energy in cooling mode – by about five times, in fact. This is because heat pumps draw hot air from outside when in heating mode, and since this mode is usually only used in cold weather, there isn't a ready supply of heat for it to absorb.
What are the pros and cons of a heat pump? ›| Pros of ASHPs | Cons of ASHPs |
|---|---|
| High efficiency | Higher upfront cost than heating/cooling alternatives |
| May save you money overall on energy bills | Increased electric bills |
| Health and wellness benefits | Susceptible to power outages |
| Heating and cooling system all-in-one |
A heat pump can heat and cool, but an air conditioner cannot, which is the primary difference between the two HVAC systems. An air conditioner is typically paired with a furnace to provide heat during the cold months. Together, an air conditioner and furnace are a complete heating and cooling system.
Do heat pumps use a lot of electricity? ›One of the most popular questions we hear is, “do heat pumps use a lot of electricity?” We are delighted to answer that they do not. Compared to more traditional methods of heating, ductless heat pumps are much more energy-efficient, which means they have less impact on your utility bills.
What are the three types of ventilation in a house? ›There are three methods that may be used to ventilate a building: natural, mechanical and hybrid (mixed-mode) ventilation.
Which form of ventilation is usually more reliable and effective? ›Local Exhaust Ventilation (most effective)
What is the most energy efficient ventilation system? ›The ideal mechanical ventilation strategy is energy recovery ventilation or ERV. It's designed to minimise waste and actively reclaim energy. It uses an approach similar to balanced ventilation but adds a heat exchanger to utilise moisture efficiently.
Is ventilation system the same as air conditioning? ›Ventilation is often confused with air conditioning. Ventilation is the actual cycle of stale air being replaced by fresh air from outside the building, as opposed to air conditioning which simply cools and/or heats the air within a building.
How long does a ventilation system last? ›Remember, while the average HVAC system lifespan is anywhere between 10–25 years—based on your climate and what type of heating and cooling system you have. But your HVAC system may last less time than that if it has been overworked by insufficient insulation and unwanted airflow (due to unsealed air leaks).
Should I wait until 2023 to buy a heat pump? ›
The year 2023 may be the best for homeowners buying a new heat pump. The new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes incentives for upgrading a home's energy efficiency, including tax rebates and discounted purchasing. What Is a Heat Pump?
Can I write off a new heat pump? ›The federal tax credit covers up to 30% of qualifying heat pumps' purchase and installation labor costs (up to $2,000). This credit applies to new and existing homes and can be claimed in the same tax year as the purchase was made, starting in 2023 and ending in 2032.
Will HVAC prices go down in 2023? ›HVAC Pricing Increases Continue in 2023
Last year pressures were placed upon the consumer due to super-high inflation, as well as labor and supply shortages. The story has not changed much throughout 2022. We continue to see inflation reaching 7-8%, but it feels a lot worse than that for the consumer.
Central Air Conditioning
You can qualify for tax credit up to $300. Split systems must have a minimum of 16 SEER and 13 EER whereas packaged systems must meet or exceed 14 SEER and 12 EER.
In general, home improvements aren't tax-deductible, but there are three main exceptions: capital improvements, energy-efficient improvements, and improvements related to medical care.
Can you claim a new roof on your taxes? ›When you make a home improvement, such as installing central air conditioning or replacing the roof, you can't deduct the cost in the year you spend the money. But, if you keep track of those expenses, they may help you reduce your taxes in the year you sell your house.
What home bills are tax deductible? ›There are certain expenses taxpayers can deduct. These may include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs, maintenance, depreciation and rent. Taxpayers must meet specific requirements to claim home expenses as a deduction. Even then, the deductible amount of these types of expenses may be limited.
Is 14 SEER good enough? ›A good SEER rating is typically 14 or higher.
The average efficiency rating for a central air conditioner in operation today is 16 but high energy-efficient models can have ratings as high as 23.
A 16 SEER unit is about 13% more efficient than a 14 SEER. For every $100 you spend to cool your home with a 14 SEER, you could save $13 on your monthly bill by upgrading to the 16 SEER unit.
How much ventilation does a heat pump need? ›There should be at least 24 inches of clear space on all sides of the outdoor unit. This includes the side of the house, walls, fences and shrubbery. A good HVAC installation company will make sure that the outdoor unit of the heat pump is far away from the house.
Do I need an HRV if I have a heat pump? ›
Breathe Easier With a HRV
HRVs are a relatively simple add-on to a heat pump/air handler installation, but they can also be retrofitted into existing forced air systems too. HRVs are perfect for tight, moisture-prone houses because they replace the humid air with dry, fresh air.
It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.
At what temperature are heat pumps no longer effective? ›Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs.
At what temperature do heat pumps become less effective? ›For this reason, heat pumps start to lose efficiency at around 40 degrees F and become less efficient than furnaces at around 25 degrees F. Heat pumps continue to be effective at cooling the indoors, even at high temperatures. In the South, it rarely gets below 25 degrees.
What is the downside to a heat pump? ›Air source heat pumps can experience issues such as icing in cold temperatures, which can ultimately damage the system. Although modern heat pumps do often have automatic defrosting. Their efficiency will also be lower at very cold temperatures, and use more electricity during those cold days.
What's the difference between a heat pump and a heat exchanger? ›Heat Exchanger or Heat Pump? Heat exchangers simply improve ventilation. Air source heat pumps actually heat and cool your home. They can replace your home's heating and cooling systems; they can heat specific zones in the home, or they can work in tandem with your existing heating system.
What's the difference between an HRV and heat pump? ›Heat pumps can both warm and cool. Air conditioners can only cool. HRV systems are for ventilation, not heating. The ability to raise or lower the temperature of the incoming air is only a secondary benefit.
Should I run my HRV continuously in winter? ›In winter, set the dehumidistat just low enough to prevent condensation on windows. Do not shut off or unplug your HRV. This can result in high humidity levels, which can lead to mould and mildew growth and unhealthy living conditions.
Do I need both a furnace and a heat pump? ›Although furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design genuinely make using both of them a potential option. It's not for everyone, but under the right conditions you will definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
Does a heat pump use existing ductwork? ›Can heat pumps use existing ducts as well? Yes! If you already have a central forced air system in your home, a heat pump system still works! In this situation, you'd have the same outdoor condenser unit, but the indoor air handler would connect directly to your ductwork.
What is the cost to install a heat pump? ›
The cost of installing a heat pump ranges from $4,000 to $7,500 with the national average around $5,500. At the low end, your installation costs could run around $2,500, while on the higher end your costs could range up to $10,000.