Heat pumps are designed to heat and cool your home, acting like a combination of an air conditioner and a furnace. Because heat pumps don’t require fuels to move heat, they are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient compared to other HVAC systems in our homes. Besides, most air conditioner installation professionals find heat pumps easy to install and don’t take much time. A heat pump won’t be a favorite for every homeowner, but its unique technology is worth investing in any time you want to replace your HVAC system. If you want to replace the HVAC system in your Prescott Valley, AZ home with a heat pump, below are the factors to consider before purchasing.

Energy-Efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the essential considerations when choosing a heat pump. A heat pump with a high energy efficiency rating will use less energy to heat or cool your home, which can result in lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint. The energy efficiency of a heat pump is typically measured by its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) ratings. The higher the SEER and HSPF ratings, the more energy-efficient the heat pump is.

Although heat pumps with higher SEER and HSPF ratings cost more, they will repay you by reducing energy costs. It’s important to look for a heat pump with high SEER and HSPF ratings to ensure energy savings over time. Because you don’t know which models have higher or lower SEER and HSPF ratings, consider hiring an air conditioner installation company for assistance.

Size

Before you choose a heat pump, ensure it is well-sized for the space it will be heating or cooling. If the unit is too small for your needs, it will struggle to keep your home comfortable. On the other hand, an oversized heat pump will not be able to maintain the desired temperature. This will increase your energy bills and cause wear and tear on your unit. Moreover, if the oversized unit is not a variable-speed model, it will keep cycling on and off more often than it should.

The cooling capacity of a heat pump is measured in British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.). To ensure the heat pump you want is well-sized for your home, call an air conditioner installation professional in Prescott Valley, AZ to do a load calculation.

Your professional will use this information to determine the appropriate size and capacity of the heat pump needed for your home. Additionally, the load calculation will be beneficial because any issues with insulation or air sealing in your home can be identified and fixed before buying and installing your unit. Contact an air conditioner installation expert today, and they will help you select a well-sized heat pump for your home.

Compressor Type

A compressor is a crucial heat pump component. It is the heart of a heat pump system and is responsible for compressing and expanding refrigerant to transfer heat from one place to another. If the compressor is not in good shape, your heat pump will have issues. That’s why having an air conditioner installation professional inspect your heat pump regularly is good.

Two main types of compressors are used in heat pumps: reciprocating and scroll. Reciprocating compressors use a piston to compress the refrigerant, which can be a bit noisier than scroll compressors but are typically more durable and reliable. Scroll compressors use two spiral-shaped plates that mesh together to compress the refrigerant, which tends to be quieter and more efficient than reciprocating compressors.

It’s also important to consider the specific application in which the heat pump will be used. For example, scroll compressors are more efficient in residential applications, while reciprocating compressors are more suitable for commercial applications. So, in this case, your home will need a reciprocating compressor. Consider this factor when buying a heat pump and get one that suits your needs. Contact an air conditioner installation technician in Prescott Valley, AZ to ensure you get the right compressor type.

Climate

Your heat pump’s efficiency is affected by its operating climate. For example, in cold climates, the heat pump may not be as effective in heating, leading to higher energy consumption. The heat pump may be overworked in warm climates, leading to reduced efficiency and a shorter lifespan.

In areas with mild climates, a standard air-source heat pump would work well as it extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it indoors. In very cold climates, a ground-source heat pump may be a better option than an air-source heat pump as it extracts heat from the ground, which stays at a relatively constant temperature year-round. If you have hired an air conditioner installation company to choose the right heat pump for your home, ensure they keep this consideration in mind.

Noise Level

Lastly, check the noise level of the new heat pump you want to purchase when considering air conditioner installation. Some heat pumps can be quite loud, and the noise level can concern some people. The noise level of a heat pump is typically measured in decibels (dB), and a lower decibel rating indicates a quieter operation.

The noise level of a heat pump is determined by various factors, including the type of compressor used, the size of the unit, and the installation location. You should call an air conditioner installation professional to check if your desired heat pump has a lower decibel rating.

We Are Your Heat Pump Experts

Selecting the right heat pump for your home is not an easy job. Before purchasing your new unit, you must keep important tips in mind. Think about installation, type of compressor, noise level, efficiency, capacity, and many more. To simplify your job, hire One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott today. We have professionals who have dealt with heat pumps for years, and they will help you select the right heat pump.

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