How To Understand Heat Pump Ratings
Heat pumps and geothermal energy is a great way to bring comfort to your home and/or swimming pool and help your family reap energy savings. When you are searching for a way to heat or cool your home, choosing the correct heat pump to the do job is one of the most important steps in the process.
The geothermal professionals from Symbiont Service Corp explain the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) is one of the items you will become knowledgeable about when you’re searching for your perfect heat pump unit.
What is HSPF?
The heating seasonal performance factor is the way the efficiency of heat pumps are measured. The HSPF is similar to seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEERs) that are attached to air conditioning units. The main difference between SEER and HSPF is that HSPF factors in the amount of energy that will be needed for defrosting in the winter and the amount of backup heat that will be required.
How To Understand Heat Pump Ratings
The upper level aka highest efficiency heat pump rating is nine (9). Heat pump equipment that has been qualified by the Energy Star rating services has the highest efficiency level. A heat pump can be up to 8% more efficient than similar new models and can be up to 20% more efficient than an older pump.
Prior to investing in a heat pump you will work with a geothermal professional to determine the correct size for your home. You want to invest in a heat pump that is large enough to heat the entire home, but one that is not too large that it will become inefficient. When the HVAC contractor performs the heating load calculation, he will be able to explain how much energy you need to properly heat your home and what the ideal heat pump size necessary.
Before you invest in a heat pump and have a heat load calculation performed, you may also want to have a home energy efficiency test run. this test will show where the home may have heat “leaks.” Ways to seal these leaks could include:
- Sealing holes in your ducts
- Covering the perimeter of doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulking or replacing energy inefficient doors and windows
- Caulking air leaks in the attic and basement
Performing these simple steps after having a home energy efficiency test will go a long way in helping your home be more energy efficient, helping save money on utility bills and assuring you get a heat pump that performs at peak efficiency. These simple steps will allow you to achieve ideal comfort with a smaller — and more affordable — pump.
Learn about the impact HSPF has on your heat pump decision, contact Symbiont Service Corp.
We want to educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Symbiont Service Corp. serves Englewood, Florida and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
Stay In The Loop
Don't miss out! Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS Feed on Feed Burner and get our latest posts.