The Most Efficient Heat Pump

A heat pump both heats your house in cold weather and cools your house in warm weather. If you live in an area that receives a range of seasonal temperatures, a heat pump is a great option to keep your home a comfortable temperature.

All heat pumps have an air source, a water source or a ground source. You can judge a heat pump’s efficiency by their Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER), Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Coefficient of Performance (COP) ratings. You can also look for products with the EPA’s energy star.

Mini-Split Heat Pump

This air-source heat pump allows a single outdoor unit to split the heating and cooling demands across several smaller units so that you can have more control on a room-by-room basis. It lacks ductwork, so every indoor unit is inside the room it conditions. Because of this, the mini-split heat pump loses less air in the ductwork as it heats and cools your home, so it is more energy efficient. Unfortunately, mini-split heat pumps are more expensive and bulkier than conventional heat pumps.

Solar

The eco-friendly solar heat pumps use energy from solar panels to power standard and geothermal heat pumps. Solar heat pumps are great if you live in a moderate or warm climate.

Geothermal

The geothermal heat pump resembles the air and water pumps, but it is usually installed in a closed loop underground. Geothermal heat pumps are complex systems that need a contractor to install them. If you decide to buy a geothermal heat pump, ServiceWhale can provide a contractor to help you with your geothermal heat pump. When installed accurately, the geothermal heat pump can be more energy efficient than a mini-split heat pump.

Hybrid/Duel Fuel

The heat pump has a standard air source heat pump with an additional gas furnace. People who live in areas with dramatic seasonal temperature changes benefit the most from hybrid heat pumps. They have the efficiency of a gas furnace in very cold temperatures and of a heat pump in moderate temperatures. The only problem is hybrid heat pumps become less efficient when delivering temperatures below 40 F.

Reverse Cycle Chiller

RCC offers multiple cooling and heating distribution systems, such as radiant floor systems. The reverse cycle chiller works best in places with less natural gas or all-electric homes. It can maintain maximum efficiency through its air source heat pump connected to an insulated water tank and a duct system for distribution.
The efficiency of your heat pump can also rely on the size of your house, your thermostat setting, insulation, how many windows your home has and other heat-loss possibilities.

Other kinds of heat pumps include water to water, air to air, air to water and absorption heat pumps. There are so many types of heat pumps out there; you may prefer to ask a contractor for a professional opinion. ServiceWhale can help you find a contractor in your area for the selection and installation process.