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Energy Efficient Heat Pump Technology Heat pumps powered by clean electricity (such as wind, solar or a less polluting gas source) can reduce CO2 emissions from heating by up to 75 percent. Now, innovations in refrigerant gases and other components mean that new models are more efficient. They're also becoming smaller and sleeker, so they can blend in more seamlessly with the decor of your home. Energy Efficiency They are more energy efficient than electric resistance or other furnaces due to the fact that they utilize ambient heat from the air to warm homes, instead of creating their own heat by burning fuel. Their efficiency in energy can be measured by the coefficient of performance (COP). A high COP indicates that an electricity unit can produce a large number of kilowatt hours of heat. Heat pumps today have a COP of around four. This means that a single kWh could generate four kWh. This means that even in cold climates heat pumps are able to drastically reduce carbon emissions from heating buildings. To reduce emissions, heat pumps have to utilize renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This will increase the overall energy efficiency of heat pump systems, allowing them to operate them using less fossil fuels, and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The efficiency of a heat source is dependent on the temperature of its two reservoirs – the outdoor and indoor storage tanks. In cooling mode, the heat pump pulls in heat from the air and uses refrigerant to move it between the storage tanks and the house. When the system is switched to heating, it reverses the flow. The outside coil becomes the evaporator, while the inside coil is the condenser. The reversing valving also reverses the direction of the electrical current flowing through the fluid which is now acting as the compressor. The power generated by the increased electrical current causes the working fluid to expand, pushing up the temperature of the room. A heat pump can generate seven kilowatt hours of electricity for every kilowatt-hour of energy consumed. The higher the COP, the more efficient it is in energy use. As technology improves, more models are being developed to suit a wider range climates. Certain models are made to withstand freezing temperatures while others are equipped with furnaces to withstand the most extreme conditions. Some governments and utilities offer incentives like rebates or special electricity rates for homeowners who make the switch to heat pumps. There are also efforts to make use of these appliances' flexibility by using them to store and absorb renewable energy or by rewarding consumers for helping shift peak demand away from fossil fuels. Efficiency Ratings Consumers should be aware of the efficiency ratings of heat pumps. These ratings are a great method to evaluate heat pumps and ensure you're getting the most efficient equipment. The most common ratings are HSPF and SEER. These ratings indicate how well a heatpump works during the cooling and heating seasons. Other useful ratings include EER, SCOP, ERP, NPLV, and IPLV. The EER rating of the heat pump is a measure for how efficiently it uses electrical energy to produce cooling. This is determined by the ratio of its cooling output to its electrical input which is higher, indicating higher efficiency. When looking for a heat pump, you should start with one that has an EER rating. While the minimum SEER allowed at present is 13, it's worth investing in a model with a higher rating. This will result in lower energy costs and energy consumption in the long run. Generation X was born during the oil crisis and has driven the drive for more efficient appliances that are energy efficient. Since 1992 the U.S. Department of Energy has set minimum standards for SEER and HSPF ratings for heat pumps. While SEER is the most commonly used cooling rating, it's also important to choose heat pumps that have high HSPF ratings as well. Heat pumps that have high HSPF ratings are more expensive initially however they will pay for themselves in the long run with significant energy savings. They also aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as improve the environment. Many factors can influence the energy efficiency of a heat pump in relation to its size, as well as where it is installed in the home. For instance, a buffer tank that allows warmer supply water to mix with cooler return water could reduce efficiency. This is particularly relevant if the mixing valve does not have an adjustable thermostat. Another aspect to consider is how a heat pump's ductwork has been designed and is insulated. If the ducts are not properly constructed or not insulated they could reduce the heat pump's airflow and make it perform more work to reach a desired temperature. In some cases, the technician may be able to correct the issue by cleaning the evaporator or altering the refrigerant charge. Installation A heat pump is an heating and air conditioning system that is able to cool your home, much like an air conditioner. It replaces traditional heating methods such as gas furnaces. A Carrier expert can help you choose the best heat pump for your home and climate. One of the main advantages of the heat pump is that it can work effectively in moderate climates, unlike other heating systems. This is because the heat pump draws in ambient air to provide warmth. This air can come from the ground, the air inside your house, or the air outside your home according to the type of heat pump you pick. The basic function of a heat pump is that it can pull the same energy from the air in your house that it uses to cool your home. This is done by using a reversing valance to change the direction that the refrigerant flows. Air is blown over an evaporator coil that transports the heat from the air to the refrigerant. The reversing valve then changes the direction of the flow to condenser coil. This transfer the heat to the indoor air and the cycle repeats. Have a look at having several in-home consultations with various installation companies if you're considering an electric heat pump. Compare the prices and energy ratings of each company. This will give you an idea of the price, benefits, and reliability of each installation. Your local Carrier expert can help you with the installation of a new heat pump by properly sizing and arranging it for the best performance. They can evaluate the specific heating and cooling requirements of your space, as well the condition and size of your ductwork. This allows them to choose the right heat pump for you and your budget. In addition to ensuring the heat pump is of the correct size for your home In addition, an HVAC professional can also advise you on how to upgrade your home to increase its efficiency in energy use. This will assist you in saving more energy with your new system. For instance, upgrading your insulation and repairing air leaks could make your heat pump run more into the winter by allowing it to draw in air from the colder outdoor. Maintenance Heat pumps, like cars, need regular maintenance to ensure their performance is at its best. Two scheduled maintenance visits per year – one in spring and in the fall will aid in the proper functioning of your system throughout the heating season. A heating system that isn't working properly will require more power to attain the same level of comfort as a well maintained unit, which will result in more expensive monthly bills for utilities. In addition to a routine checkup by a licensed technician, there are several home maintenance tasks you can perform yourself to boost effectiveness and extend the life of your heat pump. Cleaning heat pump tumble dryer (or replacing them with reused ones) will improve the indoor air quality and the heat pump will be less efficient to circulate the air. Keep outdoor units free of foliage, debris, and wildlife to prevent obstructions to airflow. This can also improve heat pump efficiency. A simple maintenance task is to examine your heat pump regularly for blown fuses and circuit breakers. These could be the result of an electrical overload, or a ignition issue that requires professional attention. It is also essential to check the thermostat regularly to ensure it's working at the correct temperature and not making the system overdrive. If you experience strange noises emanating from your heat pump It's usually an indication that the air ducts are blocked or the blower fan is dirty. This requires professional assistance. It is recommended to clean your evaporator coils, which will help reduce dust build-up and enhance airflow. In addition, ensuring that the condensate drain is clear of obstructions will help stop water leaks, blockages and fire hazards. Maintenance and repair costs can vary depending on your system as well as its age and the ease of access to a technician. Repairing smaller systems that and cool one space is less costly than larger units that supply air conditioning for the entire house. In addition, having access to a heat pump that is located in a crawl space can influence repair and maintenance charges per hour.