The most common type of heat pump is the air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between your house and the outside air. Contact us if you’re ready to install a heat pump or your current system requires maintenance or repairs. Don’t set your heat pump to the maximum – it won’t heat the room any quicker, but it will use more energy. Next, make sure the fan is set to AUTO instead of on—this will prevent the fan from running all day and night, which will cost you a lot of money and can potentially damage your system. Most homes will still have an electricity bill for power used overnight, during storms, or during periods of high use such as very hot periods of summer. Use the timer The first step to an efficient heat pump is learning how to use the timer feature, said Hoerning. *See https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-and-cool/heat-pump-systems. Because every heat pump has electric resistance built into the back of it. A heat pump uses what is called a reversing valve to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. The best way to benefit from a heat pump’s superior efficiency is to use it for as much heating as it can handle. Even a one-degree adjustment can make a big difference. Heat pumps operate just like normal, energy efficient air conditioners during the summer, keeping your home cool for less. Consequently, it is recommended to only lower your set point by 3˚ – 5˚ when your system is in the unoccupied or night setting. You should be changing your filters every month to three months, depending on how often you’re using your system. Generally speaking, it’s more efficient to leave a heat pump on than to continually turn it on and off. Control yourself. I have contacted a couple of HVAC dealers to quote for a heat pump to replace an old gas furnace only system (no AC and no solar). It works like this: Refrigerant enters the compressor (outdoor unit) of your heat pump system as a hot low-pressure gas and is compressed into a high-pressure gas. 41 Hollingsworth St, Mattapan, MA 02126 | Phone: 617-288-2911. The 2020 Most Efficient Heat Pumps are: Carrier Infinity 24 with Greenspeed 25VNA4 Let’s look at each type individually to see what would serve your needs best. Gas heat pumps differ from electric heat pumps in these ways: They don’t use refrigerants like electric heat pumps. First, adjust the switch on the bottom of the thermostat from HEAT to COOL—this will reverse the heat pump cycle. A heat pump is designed to pull the heat energy out of the outside air and use it to warm the inside of your home. While most efficient heat pump models can function efficiently in temperatures as low as -27 degrees celsius, it is a good idea to have a backup heating source for those unusually cold days where a heat pump loses its advantage in heating efficiency. Cooling costs can get expensive, and every degree you set your thermostat higher can save you 3 – 5 percent on your monthly energy bills! Adjust your thermostat – there are two things you need to do with your thermostat to switch your heat pump to cooling mode. Refrigerant enters the compressor (outdoor unit) of your heat pump system as a hot low-pressure gas and is compressed into a high-pressure gas. This depends on a variety of factors – such as the type of system and size of your home – but there’s a very good chance that a high-efficiency heat pump can heat your whole house. Generally speaking, it’s more efficient to leave a heat pump on than to continually turn it on and off. Upon exiting the expansion valve, the pressure lets up. This will make sure that … The main types of heat pumps There are three types of heat pumps: Air Source, Water Source, and Ground Source or Geothermal. Don't set your heat pump to the maximum – it won't heat the room any quicker, but it will use more energy. (If cooling in summer, direct the cold air high across the room, where it will sink down, cooling the room). Subsequently, it’ll use more energy, as these are typically more expensive to operate. It works like this: During the winter, your heat pump follows the exact same steps in reverse, absorbing heat energy from the outside and moving it indoors. The efficient way works like an air conditioner that has been turned around. In addition to basic upkeep, they can also: There may be something you’re overlooking that a professional will immediately notice. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the energy consumption difference between a properly maintained heat pump and one that’s neglected can reach as high as 25 percent. If you rely on a heat pump to keep you warm over those long Boston winters, it makes sense to operate it as efficiently as possible. Like electric heat pumps, they’re more efficient than furnaces in temperate climates. Now a hot low-pressure gas once again, the cycle starts over. Heat pumps work most efficiently when maintaining a temperature. While there are several popular options to consider, many residents in and around the Boston area rely on a heat pump. Regardless of what type of heating and cooling system you rely on, regular (and proper) maintenance is critical to efficient operation. Geothermal, water-source heat pumps can be more energy efficient than air-source models, but more expensive to install. But did you know you can use them to keep your home cool during the summer as well? Experiment by opening a few doors to expand the zone, then turn up the fan. The coolant picks up heat outside and comes through a pipe to the inside of the building, where it is compressed. However, many of our customers want to know how to use a heat pump properly and in the most energy-efficient way. Prepare your heat pump for winter. Most Energy Efficient Heat Pumps for 2020 The most efficient heat pumps are chosen by homeowners in climates with extreme heat and for those that want their heating and air conditioning to be as ecofriendly as possible. Today's heat pump can reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces and baseboard heaters. Based on your heating fuel cost comparison chart, it appears heat pump is the most cost effective. Note: heat pumps measure temperature differently than traditional thermostats, so you may find yourself settling on a higher setting. "Don't leave your heat pump on all day if you're not there. Ductless mini-split heat pump systems are an efficient heating and cooling solution that can keep Massachusetts residents comfortable all year round, even in very cold temperatures. In fact, it costs two to five times as much to get the same amount of heat from the heat strips as it does from the normal operation of the heat pump system. Contact us for complete details. Set the proper temperature – everyone has a different idea of what a comfortable temperature is, but at Peninsula, we recommend setting your thermostat to the highest temperature you can be happy with. At that point, either a gas furnace or an air handler with supplemental electric heat will kick in to help heat your home. Set your heat pump mode to “Heat” in winter and “Cool” in summer. For example, if a heat pump has a COP of 3, this means the heat pump is capable of producing 3 units of heat for every watt of power used. In other words, set the thermostat, walk away. Set your thermostat at a temperature you find comfortable and … This is a common question with a pretty simple answer: yes. What Qualifies for the Residential Energy Tax Credit? Set it and forget it. For homeowners seeking the most efficient heating system available, heat pumps are the best candidate. There are many benefits to installing a heat pump, but this system is not right for everyone. The cold, low-pressure liquid now moves into the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from air blown over the evaporator coils and turns into a gas. With most heat pumps, the auxiliary heat consists of electric resistance heat strips. Conversely, once the winter season rolls around, temperatures at or below freezing are commonplace. Here are some tips for doing so. For example, Mitsubishi is a leader in this niche of the HVAC market, with many of its systems designed to heat and cool entire homes. The best way to use a heat pump is to keep the setting low (18ºC or – 20ºC). During the condensation process, the liquid refrigerant gives up its heat, which is radiated to the outside air. During the summer months, it’s not out of the question for temperatures to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Minimize changes to the temperature setting A heat pump, as part of a central heating and cooling system, uses the outside air to both heat a home in winter and cool it in summer. So, that brings us to an important question: what is the most efficient way to heat and cool your home? If you’re familiar with your heat pump, you probably have a good idea of where to set the thermostat. The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. The heat pump is most effective on its own at temperatures around 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your air filters – your Peninsula technician will do this as part of a heat pump inspection, but it doesn’t hurt to be in the habit of checking your air filters—especially when it gets really hot while you’re running your heat pump in the summer. They also require an available water source near your home. All Rights Reserved | Disclosure Policy. You might be surprised how much space a heat pump can heat. During the summer, heat pumps operate just like energy-efficient air conditioners, pulling heat out of the air in your home and keeping the inside comfortable. Maintaining Your Heat Pump Turn the power off on your unit before cleaning it in the spring. The problem is that these heat strips are much less efficient than your actual heat pump. The COP tells us how much heat the heat pump creates using one watt of electricity. Mini Split Heat Pumps are popular for heating and cooling garages or other open spaced rooms. Operate Your Thermostat Efficiently. On the flip side, if you buy one that’s too big, it can result in wasted energy (and more money out of your pocket). The controller is used to: • set the appropriate flow and return temperatures of the fluid passing through the heat pump to provide space heating • set the temperature of hot water in a system that provides hot water as well a space heating; in a system where the hot water is usually runs at less than 60°C it will be programmed to raise the temperature of the water to 60°C or more at periodic intervals to avoid … Tip: heat pumps are available in varying sizes. Basically, that means your heat pump will act as an air conditioner when things get hot and a heater when it’s cold outside – making heat pumps one versatile product. Start … Like all other systems, make sure that you are paying attention to your filter. Now a hot high-pressure gas, the refrigerant enters the condenser where it is condensed into a liquid. Programme it to turn on 15 minutes before you need it instead. Fax: 302-629-3870. Programme it to turn on 15 minutes before you need it instead.*. Not only does this save you money, but it also puts less strain on your system. Here’s the bottom line: heat pumps work most efficiently when they’re set to maintain a steady temperature in your home. At what temperatures are heat pumps most effective? © 2021 Peninsula. Heat pumps have the well-deserved reputation of being the most energy-efficient heating and cooling method available. A heat pump inspection is the best way to extend your system’s life and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns. Heat pumps are among the most efficient heating systems you can install to keep your home warm in the winter. And that could be the difference between spending and saving. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Clean or change filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Peninsula has been providing home services in Delaware and Maryland since 1935. Gas energy can be less wasteful than electric heat pumps if you live in an area where natural gas is affordable. 40 South Market Street Seaford, DE 19973, Phone: 302-629-3002 Most of today’s thermostats are programmable and allow you to set a schedule to match your preference. If you need a heat pump inspection, call us today! The cycle repeats until the temperature of the air in your home matches that set by the thermostat. We are in the San Francisco Bay Area (zone 3 moderate). It simply means you should use the “auto” fan setting on the thermostat to ensure that it kicks on and off based on your preferences. The best way to use a heat pump is to keep the setting low (18ºC or - 20ºC). As a Boston resident, you’re all too familiar with wild temperature swings. 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