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Energy Efficient Heat Pump Technology If they are powered by clean electricity (as generated by solar, wind or an alternative source of gas that is cleaner), heat pumps can cut down on the carbon emissions of heating homes by around 75 percent. The latest developments in refrigerant gases as well as other components mean that the latest models are more efficient. They're also getting smaller and sleeker, blending in more seamlessly with the home. Energy Efficiency They are more efficient in energy use than electric resistance or other furnaces because they draw heat from the air to heat homes, instead of producing their own heat through burning fuel. Their efficiency in energy is measured by the coefficient of performance or COP. A high COP indicates that a single kWh of electricity can produce several kilowatt-hours of heating. Today, heat pumps have a COP of around four. This means that one kWh could generate four kWh. The use of heat pumps can cut carbon emissions by heating buildings in cold climates. To reduce emissions, heat pumps must use electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind. This will improve the overall energy efficiency of heat pump systems, making it possible to operate them using less fossil fuels, and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The efficiency of a heat pump is determined by the temperature of its two reservoirs, the indoor and outdoor storage tanks. In cooling mode, a heat pump uses its refrigerant and pulls air heat to move it between storage tanks. When the system is switched to heating, it reverses the flow. The outside coil is now the evaporator, and the inside coil functions as a condenser. The reversing valving reverses the direction of 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, bringing the heat from the outside into the house. Our Home Page is able to produce seven kilowatt hours of electricity for every kilowatt hour energy used. The higher the COP, the more efficient it is on energy. As the technology advances and new models are developed, they are designed to cater to a wider range of climates in mind. Certain models are designed to resist freezing temperatures, while others are equipped with furnaces that can be used in the harshest conditions. Some utilities and governments provide incentives, such as rebates or special electricity rates for homeowners who make the switch to heat pumps. There are also efforts to maximize the flexibility of these appliances by utilizing them to store and absorb renewable energy, or by rewarding consumers who help shift peak demand from fossil fuels. Efficiency Ratings The consumer should take into consideration heat pump efficiency ratings. These ratings are a great method to evaluate heat pumps and make sure you're getting the best equipment. The most popular ratings are SEER and the HSPF. These ratings indicate how well a heater performs during the heating and cooling seasons. Other useful ratings include EER, SCOP ERP, NPLV and IPLV. The EER rating of a heatpump is a measure of how efficiently it uses electricity to produce cooling energy. The EER rating is determined by the cooling output when compared to the electrical input. Higher ratings indicate better efficiency. The best place to start when searching for a brand new heat pump is to choose one with an EER rating of high. It's a good idea to invest even though the minimum SEER rating permitted currently is 13. As time passes, this will result in lower energy bills and less consumption. Generation X was born during the oil crisis and has driven the push for more efficient appliances that are energy efficient. Since 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy established the minimum standards for heat pumps that have HSF and SEER ratings. While SEER is the most widely used cooling rating, it's also important to look for heat pumps that have an HSPF rating that is high as well. Heat pumps with an HSPF rating that is high will cost more initially, but they'll eventually be able to pay for themselves through significant energy savings over the course of time. They'll also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environment. There are many variables that can affect a heat pump's energy efficiency such as its size and how it's set up in the home. For example, a buffer tank that allows warmer supply water to mix with cooler return water can lower efficiency. This is especially true if the mixing valve doesn't have an adjustable thermostat. Another aspect to consider is how the heat pump's ductwork is designed and constructed and insulated. The heat pump will have to perform harder when the ducts don't work properly or aren't adequately insulated. In certain cases the technician might be able to correct the issue by cleaning the evaporator, or adjusting refrigerant charges. Installation A heat pump is a central heating and air system that cools your house like an air conditioner however, it also offers heating. It is a replacement for traditional heating methods like gas furnaces. A Carrier expert will help you select the right heat pump for your home and climate. The heat pump has the benefit of working in mild climates. This is not true for 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 in your home, or the air outside of your home, depending on the type of heat pump you choose. The main function of a heat pump is to draw the same energy from the air inside your home which it uses to cool your home. It does this by using a reversing valve to change the direction of the refrigerant's flow. The heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant by blowing air across the evaporator coil. The reversing valve changes the direction of the flow to condenser coil. This heat is then transferred to the indoor air, and the cycle starts again. If you're thinking about an energy-efficient heat pump for your home, consider getting a few in-home consultations from various installation companies. Then, you can compare the prices and energy efficiency ratings that each company provides. This will give a good idea of the costs, benefits, and reliability of each heat pump installation. Your local Carrier expert will assist you install a new heating system by correctly sizing it and arranging it for maximum performance. They can assess the cooling and heating requirements of your home and also the size, condition and the age of your ductwork. This allows them to select the most suitable heat pump for your home and budget. A HVAC professional can assist you to improve your home to increase its energy efficiency. This can help you save even more energy with your new system. Improved insulation and air leaks, for instance, can let your heat pump run longer in the winter. This is due to the fact that it draws air from the colder outside. Maintenance Heat pumps, like cars, need regular maintenance to ensure their performance is at its best. Two regular maintenance visits per year—once in the spring and again in the fall — will aid in the proper functioning of your system throughout the heating season. If your heat pump isn't working properly will likely require more energy to achieve the same comfort level as a well-maintained unit, leading to higher utility bills each month. In addition to a routine examination by a licensed technician, there are many home maintenance tasks you can do yourself to improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of your heat pump. For instance, cleaning your indoor air filter monthly (or replacing reusable filters) will improve the quality of indoor air and keep the heat pump operating less efficiently to circulate the same amount of air. Cleaning outdoor units of foliage, debris and animals can also reduce obstructions to airflow and improve heat pump efficiency. Another simple step to be aware of is to regularly inspect a heat pump for circuit breakers that have tripped or fuses and fuse blows that could be caused by an electrical overload or ignition problem that needs professional attention. It's also important to test the thermostat on a regular basis to ensure that it's working at the correct temperature and not leading to the system to go into overdrive. If you notice strange sounds emanating from your heating system, it is often a sign of a clogged air duct or dirty blower fan that requires professional help. It is a good idea to clean the evaporator coils regularly. This will reduce dust build-up and increase airflow. Also, make sure that the condensate drainage area is free of debris to prevent blockages leaks, fire hazards and leaks. Maintenance and repair costs will vary based on the type of system you own and how old it is and how accessible the equipment is for a licensed technician to work on. For instance, smaller systems that are designed to heat and cool only one room are usually cheaper to repair than large units that offer cooling for an entire house. Access to a heat-pump located in a crawlspace will also influence the cost of maintenance and repair.