Information
What is a Heat Pump ?
In The summer a heat pump cools the air in your home much like an air conditioner, while in the winter heat is absorbed from the outdoor air and released to the indoor air.
When shopping for a heat pump, look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios {” SEER”] which measure the cooling efficiency of the machine and a high heating performance factors {“HSPF”} which measure its heat performance efficiency. This doesn’t mean it gives you more heat just the same heat at a cost saving to get it.
How do heat pumps work ?
A heat pump is an efficient form of electrically based heating and cooling. Unlike other heating and cooling system, which converts fuel or electricity directly into heat, a heat pump moves heat from one place to another, in the same manner as an air conditioner.
Efficient Heating and Cooling?
Even at a relatively cold temperatures, the heat pump can extract heat from outside air{Air Source Heat Pump]or from ground or ground water{ ground source heat pump} to heat your home. Efficiency diminishes as temperatures cool. During warm summer days it will function in reverse and provide cooling.
Affordability?
In almost any part of Canada, it is not economical to use a heat pump as the only source of heat in your home. A heat pump large enough to meet your heating needs would work inefficiently in summer. Combining a heat pump with an existing furnace or other supplemental heater can reduce home energy expenses, but initial cost and additional electricity cost should be factored in.
Remember your house is is a system, if you are planning to draft- proof and upgrade insulation your heating needs will likely decrease. A home energy audit can help you figure out where to begin making energy efficient changes
Health and Comfort ?
Choosing the right kind and size of heat pump for your region and your needs can make your home temperature easy to keep comfortable all year round. Air source heat pump isn’t likely to work effectively in areas where temperatures often go below -20 c. In New Brunswick ground source, also called earth source, geothermal or Geo exchange heat pumps can be a more effective option.
Environmental Considerations
Heat Pumps are much like refrigerators, which mean they contain chemical refrigerant that are used to transfer heat in or out of your home. Some of these coolants contribute to depleting the ozone layer. There are models and manufactures that use less harmful coolants. Choose a heat pump that minimizes pollution and maximizes energy efficiency.
Ducted Heat Pumps
A single heat pump is designed to heat one space, But if you’re looking for a whole home heating solution you might want to consider a ducted heat pump system. A ducted heat pump delivers year round comfort, using your home’s existing duct work. A good ducted heat pump is ideal for:
– Homes with duct work
– replacing an electric forced-air furnace
– Energy- efficient addition or replacement for fossil- fuel heating system
-Homes needing summer cooling and winter energy savings
Ducted heat pumps are a tailored solution, size and designed for each individual home. If you choose to install one make sure it’s ENERGY START QUALIFIED, sized correctly and installed by an experienced installer
Cost Savings
In New Brunswick , Using a heat pump as part of your year-round heating and cooling system can significantly cut your heating cost. Savings will vary depending on the fuel and efficiency of your current system. If you use the cooling function of a heat pump where you didn’t previously use air conditioners or other mechanized cooling, it will lead to increased energy use and cost.