The Ultimate Heat Pump Buying Guide

Dec 20

In case you’re thinking about buying a heat pump this year, this guide is intended to help you pick the right model for heating your home. We recommend you have an HVAC company check your system first.

There are four different types of heat pumps, and they are:

Absorption heat pumps

These types of heat pumps are mainly driven by a heat source like propane gas, natural gas, or solar-heated water. In the past, they are widely popular in industrial buildings but have lately become the most common source of heat for larger residential homes.

Geothermal heat pumps

GHPs or Geothermal heat pumps heat and cool houses by absorbing the naturally existing heat in the earth’s interior, which is a reliable, clean, and sustainable source of power.

The ground underneath the earth stays at a moderately steady temperature, so GHPs interchange heat with the earth through a ground heat exchanger laid underground close to your home. Despite the fact that the installation cost of a GHP is significantly higher compared to other systems, this can be considered as an investment which will be gained back as energy savings.

Ductless mini-split heat pumps

Ductless and mini-split heat pumps are individual units that can be wall mounted and utilized for certain rooms. The foremost benefit is that they don’t necessitate ducts to pass heat into rooms, and are much more adaptable than other systems. They are also faster to install than other systems and prevent unnecessary energy losses since they have no ducts.

Air-source heat pumps

The air-source pump is the most common type of heat pump, and it consists of two coils made of copper tubing and a compressor. The heating unit is placed outdoor and transmitting heat via the two compression coils from the outside. This heat can then be distributed to radiators used to store hot water or under-floor heating.

Here are the things you need to check when buying a Heat Pump:

Insulate first starting with your floor and ceiling. In this way, you can pick a smaller heat pump, and your home will be less expensive to warm and cool efficiently.
Ensure that it is properly sized for the space you want to heat. In the event that it’s too small, it will need to work harder and cost you more to run.
Ensure that it is well fitted. Ask the installer if they adhere with the EECA Best practice guide to heat pump installation.
Choose trusted brand for superior quality from a reputable supplier that provides at least a 5-year warranty on labor and parts.
Be sure to pick the one that’s right for your climate for when the temperature drops, so does the efficiency of many heat pumps. A high-quality unit that is measured and fitted well should perform efficiently down to minus 15°C. In case you need your heat pump to work at these temperatures, ask assistance from your heat pump supplier.
Ensure that it’s right for your environment. In coastal areas or geothermal areas, it is necessary for heat pumps to have proper protection against corrosion. Refer to your supplier about environmental concerns in your area.