Heat Pump Technology: The Secret Life Of Heat Pump Technology

Energy Efficient Heat Pump Technology Heat pumps powered by renewable electricity (such as solar, wind, or a cleaner source of gas) can cut down on CO2 emissions from heating by as much as 75 percent. New models are more efficient now, thanks to innovations in refrigerant gas and other components. They're also getting smaller and sleeker, so they blend more seamlessly with the decor of your home. Energy Efficiency Heat pumps are more energy efficient than electric resistance or other furnaces since they use ambient heat from the air to heat homes, rather than producing their own heat through burning fuel. Their efficiency in energy can be measured by the coefficient performance (COP). A high COP signifies that an electricity unit can produce a large number of kilowatt hours of heat. In general, the current heat pumps have COPs that are approximately four, which means that one kWh of electricity could produce four kWh of heat. This means that, even in cold climates heat pumps are able to significantly reduce carbon emissions from heating buildings. But to truly reduce emissions, it's essential to ensure that the power that heat pumps use comes from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. This will increase the efficiency of energy use by heat pumps, allowing them to operate with less fossil fuels. A heat pump's efficiency depends on the temperature of its two reservoirs, the indoor and outdoor storage tanks. In cooling mode, the heat pump pulls in heat from the atmosphere and uses refrigerant to move it between the storage tanks and the house. When the system is switched to heating, it reverses this flow. The outdoor coil becomes the evaporator, while the inside coil acts as the condenser. The reversing valve also reverses the direction of electrical current that flows through the fluid which is now acting as the compressor. This increased electrical power causes working fluid to expand, pushing up the temperature of the room. With the right conditions, a heat pump can produce up to seven kilowatt-hours of electricity for every kilowatt-hour energy consumed. The higher the COP the more energy efficient it is. As technology advances as technology advances, new models are created with a wider range of climates in mind. Certain models are made to withstand freezing temperatures, whereas others are equipped with furnaces to be used in the most severe conditions. Certain utilities and governments offer incentives such as discounts or special rates on electricity for homeowners who choose to switch to heat pumps. They are also experimenting with ways to harness the power of these appliances by utilizing them to store and absorb renewable energy or by rewarding consumers for helping shift the peak demand away from fossil fuels. Efficiency Ratings Heat pump efficiency ratings are an important consideration for buyers. These ratings can be a great way to compare heat pumps and make sure you're getting the most efficient equipment. The most common ratings are SEER and HSPF. These ratings show how well a heatpump works during the cooling and heating seasons. Other helpful ratings are EER, SCOP, ERP IPLV, NPLV and EER. The EER rating of the heat pump is a measurement of how effectively it uses electrical energy to produce cooling. The EER rating is determined by the cooling output compared to the electrical input. Higher ratings indicate better efficiency. A good place to begin when looking for a new heat pump is to select one with a high EER rating. It's worth investing even considering that the minimum SEER rating allowed currently is 13. This will result in lower energy costs and reduced energy consumption over time. Generation X was born during the oil crisis, and have been the driving force behind the push for more efficient appliances. Since 1992 the U.S. Department of Energy established the minimum standards for heat pumps' SEER and HSF ratings. While SEER is the most commonly used cooling rating, it's also crucial to select heat pumps that have an HSPF rating that is high as well. Heat pumps with HSPF ratings that are high are more expensive at first, but will be able to pay for themselves over time with significant energy savings. They'll also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as improve the environment. Numerous factors can affect the efficiency of energy used by a heat pump in relation to its size, as well as the location it is placed in the home. For instance, a buffer tank that allows warmer supply water to mix with cooler return water can reduce efficiency. This is especially true if the mixing valve does not have an adjustable thermostat. The design and insulation of the ductwork that is on the heat pump is an additional aspect to be considered. The heat pump will need to work harder when the ducts don't perform as they should or are not insulated. In certain cases technicians may be able to fix this issue by cleaning the evaporator coil or adjusting the refrigerant charge. Installation A heat pump is an air and heating system that cools your house like an air conditioner, but also provides heating. It replaces traditional heating methods such as gas furnaces. heat pump tumble dryers can help you choose the ideal heat pump for your climate and home. The heat pump has the benefit of working in mild climates. This is not true for other heating systems. This is because the heat pump draws in air to provide warmth. The air could be drawn from the ground, inside your home, or even air outside, based on the kind of heat pump is selected. The basic function of a heat pump is that it can pull the same energy from the air inside your house which it uses to cool your home. This is achieved through a reversing valance to alter the direction in which the refrigerant flows. The heat is transferred from the air into the refrigerant by blowing air across the coil that evaporates. The reversing valve is then able to change the direction of the flow to a condenser coil. The heat is then transferred to indoor air, and the cycle starts again. Have a look at having several in-home consultations with different installation companies if you're thinking of installing the installation of a heat pump. Compare the costs and energy ratings of each company. This will give you an idea of the costs, benefits, and reliability of each installation. Your local Carrier expert can assist you in the installation of a new heat pump by properly sizing and positioning it for maximum performance. They can assess the particular heating and cooling requirements of your space, as the condition and size of your ductwork. This will help them choose the best heat pump for your home and budget. In addition to ensuring that the heat pump is of the correct size for your home In addition, an HVAC professional can also advise you about making improvements to your home to increase its energy efficiency. This will allow you to get even greater savings on energy costs from your new system. Upgraded insulation and air leaks, for instance could let your heat pump continue to run longer in winter. This is because it draws ambient air from the colder weather outside. Maintenance Like your car, heat pumps require regular maintenance to ensure maximum performance. Two maintenance visits per year, one in the spring and one in the fall, will ensure that your system function properly during the heating season. If your heat pump fails to work correctly will likely need to use more energy to attain the same level of comfort as a well-maintained system leading to higher utility bills each month. There are a number of home maintenance tasks to improve the efficiency of your heating system and extend its lifespan. Cleaning your air filters in the indoors each month (or replacing them with reusable ones) will improve indoor air quality and the heat pump will use less energy to circulate air. Keep outdoor units free of foliage, debris and wildlife to prevent obstructions to airflow. This will also improve heat pump efficiency. Another easy maintenance tip to be aware of is to check a heat pump for tripped circuit breakers or fuses, as well as fuse blows, which could be the result of an electrical overload or ignition problem that requires professional attention. In addition, it is crucial to test your thermostat frequently to make sure that it's operating at the proper temperature and not putting the system into overdrive. If you hear strange sounds emanating from your heat pumps It's usually an indication that the air ducts are blocked or the blower fan is dirty. This will require professional service. It's a good idea also to clean the evaporator coils regularly. This will help reduce dust accumulation and help improve airflow. Finally, ensuring the condensate drain is free of obstructions will help stop water leaks, blockages and fire hazards. Repair and maintenance costs vary according to the type of system you have as well as its age and how easily it can be accessed to technicians. Repairing smaller systems that heat and cool a single room is less expensive than large units that supply cooling for the entire house. The location of a heater in a crawlspace will also impact the repair and maintenance costs.