Air Source Heat Pump
Air-source heat pumps offers an efficient solution for heating and cooling your home. They can supply 2 to 4 times more heat energy than the electrical energy it uses. This efficiency stems from the fact that a heat pump transfers heat instead of generating it through fuel combustion, like traditional heating systems. Having been in use for many years, air-source heat pumps are a reliable alternative heating solution.
When choosing an air-source heat pump, it's essential to understand the different options. These systems can be tailored to suit various home layouts, preferences, and heating and cooling needs. Here's an overview to help you make an informed decision:​
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Ductless Systems: Require minimal construction, ideal for additions, apartments, or smaller homes. They avoid ductwork efficiency losses but lack high efficiency air filtration or the ability to add ventilation.
Ducted Systems: Use existing ductwork, ideal for homes with a ducted heating or cooling system. Single-zone systems have one thermostat, whereas multi-zone systems have motorized zone dampers and multiple thermostats.
Short-Run Ducted: Use traditional ductwork in a small section of the house, often complemented by ductless units
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Split Systems: Have one coil and fan inside and one outside. Supply and return ducts connect to the indoor central coil and fan.
Packaged Systems: Contain all components in one outdoor unit. Heated or cooled air is delivered via ductwork passing through a wall or roof.
Minisplit Systems: Single-zone systems have one outdoor condenser matched to one indoor head; multi-zone systems can connect multiple indoor heads to one outdoor condenser, allowing for individual room temperature control.
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Heating Efficiency (HSPF): The Heating Season Performance Factor measures the total heat provided over a heating season divided by the total electrical energy consumed. For example, a 10.3 HSPF heat pump provides 10,300 Btu of heat for every kWh of electricity consumed. In comparison, an electric resistance heating element provides only ~3,400 Btu of heat for every kWh of electricity consumed.
Cooling Efficiency (SEER): The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio measures the total heat removed over a cooling season divided by the total electrical energy consumed. For example, a 16 SEER cooling system provides 16,000 Btu of cooling for every kWh of electricity consumed.
In general the higher the HSPF and SEER the better, however this generally is reflected in the cost of the pump. Whilst heat pumps can be expensive the energy savings generally return the initial investment several times during the heat pumps life. A heat pump replacing an older unit will use much less energy substantially reducing air-conditioning and heating costs.