Considerations For Purchasing a Heat Pump
A heat pump is a device that can be used to produce heating and cooling. It works by using the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, or in some cases it uses an electric fan. The main purpose of installing a heat pump is to reduce the energy bill. To do this, they are installed in homes and offices which would otherwise have central heating and air conditioning systems.
It has been said that heat pumps are one of the most cost effective ways of providing heating and cooling for your home without having to use fossil fuels such as gas or oil. In fact, there are many benefits when you buy a unit from reputable companies like Heat Pump World. They will ensure that the product is tested first and then installed correctly so that you don’t need to worry about any problems arising down the line.
There are also many people who choose to install them because they want to save money on their electricity bills. There are two types of heat pump. One of these is a ground source chiller which is more commonly known as geothermal heat pump. This type of system is connected to the earth’s core and therefore it doesn’t require any outside fuel sources. This makes it cheaper than other heat pump systems.
Another common type of soojuspumba paigaldus (heat pump installation) is the air-source heat pump. This produces cold in winter and hot in summer, but unlike the ground source heat pump, it requires external air supply to operate.
The following features should be taken into consideration before buying a heat pump.
- Energy saving factor
This is the most important feature to consider when choosing a heat pump. Before purchasing one, you must know how much savings you’ll get in terms of electricity bills. A well-designed heat pump with proper insulation will help lower your monthly electricity bills. You can check the efficiency of a particular heat pump with a special meter called a test kit.
- Air flow
You must take into account whether the heat pump is working properly. If not, you may find yourself paying higher electricity bills due to poor performance of the unit. Make sure the unit is placed in the right spot where the wind blows directly at it. Also, make sure that the unit is not blocking up windows or doors and that the ducts are large enough to allow good air circulation.
- Installation costs
As mentioned earlier, installing a heat pump is a major investment. Therefore, it’s essential to know the approximate costs involved to determine if it’ll be worth it. Most units come with a free consultation service provided by reputable dealers. There are also online reviews available from third party websites.
- Maintenance
Make sure that you keep regular checks on the unit. Regular maintenance ensures that the unit continues to work efficiently. You should check the compressor every six months during spring and fall. The filters should be changed after three months.
- Warranty period
Most manufacturers offer a warranty period of 3 years. However, there have been reports of customers being offered extensions for another year or two after the original warranty expires. In order for you to extend the warranty period, you must contact the manufacturer directly and give them proof of continuous usage of the unit.
- Efficiency
When purchasing a heat pump, it is advisable to look for one that offers high levels of efficiency. This will help you to recoup your initial investment. When you compare units, you should always consider the R value of the equipment. For example, a unit with R 13 (or higher) value is considered more efficient than a unit with an R 4 value.
- Noise level
When selecting a heat pump, you should also pay attention to its noise level. Units that have low noise levels are preferred over those with high noise levels.
- Cost
Although this isn’t very important, it is still worth mentioning. You should never rush into making a decision about purchasing a heat pump without knowing the exact prices.
You get greater efficiency with heat pumps. Since they transfer heat from the Earth’s natural resources using little electricity, geothermal heat pumps in particular are very effective.
However, many of the more cost-effective products are more expensive initially than a standard heater or air conditioner (AC). A good general rule of thumb is that you will pay less in the long run if you invest more money up front. You must choose the heat pump that fits your budget the best.
- Ease of installation
If you have no experience in this area, you should hire professional help. Otherwise, it might become impossible for you to fit the unit correctly.
- Price
In general, you can expect to pay £1000 – £1500 for a decent heat pump. The final price depends on the size of the house and number of rooms to be heated/cooled.
- Energy consumption
According to experts, the average annual energy consumption for a domestic unit is around 7,000 kWh per annum. This means that a heat pump can save you around 70% on your annual energy bills.
- Location
Before deciding on the location of the unit, you should be aware of the prevailing weather conditions. If the outdoor temperatures are high, it will be difficult to maintain indoor comfort. On the other hand, if the outdoor temperatures are low, the unit won’t be able to provide adequate warmth.
- Size and shape
If you plan on moving your unit, you should think carefully about the size and shape of the unit. You should avoid placing a unit in a room that is too small since it will affect the overall performance of the unit. Similarly, you should place the unit in a space that allows plenty of air flow.
- Water leaks
If you live in a damp area, you should make sure that the unit is installed properly to prevent water leakage.
- Noise
Some heat pumps emit high levels of noise which could bother neighbors. Therefore, you should choose a unit that emits less noise.
To sum up, heat pumps have many advantages over conventional heating and air conditioning systems. If you’re looking for a way to cut down your electricity bills, a heat pump is definitely the best option. However, it’s important to bear in mind all the factors discussed above before making a purchase.