Sooner or later, your heat pump is going to need a replacement. But when it does, do you know how to assure the best heat pump performance possible? A big part of heat pump performance is connected to installation, so if you’re planning a new unit in your northwest Arkansas home, make sure you pay attention to the factors listed below.
Poor airflow will make your SEER plummet
Your heat pump’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is affected by a number of factors, but especially airflow. A lack of airflow is often caused by ductwork with a restrictive layout or ducts that aren’t big enough. Also avoid restrictive grilles and the possibility of a air handler that isn’t correctly matched to your other equipment.
Refrigerant charge is often overlooked
For whatever reason, many homeowners don’t seem to realize the importance of a correct refrigerant charge for proper heat pump performance. Systems that have either refrigerant undercharging or overcharging will see reduced performance and eventual malfunctions. Your HVAC technician should make sure your heat pump has the precise manufacturer’s recommended refrigerant charge.
Tight ducts help prevent air leakage
Ask any HVAC technician the biggest reasons for household energy waste, and duct leaks will be near the top. Air leaks can contribute to as much as 35 percent loss in energy efficiency. Plus, there’s a possible health hazard as well, as unfiltered air can be distributed through your home from a crawlspace or attic.
Incorrect sizing can lead to a waste of energy
Although some technicians may oversize your heat pump to remove any doubt that it can handle your home’s cooling and heating loads, this can result in inefficient operation with frequent stops and starts. Heating and cooling will be uneven, and your system will have trouble controlling humidity and filtering your indoor air. Undersizing is a problem as well, as this will cause your heat pump to work too hard to satisfy your temperature demands.
For more expert advice about heat pump performance, or for any home comfort questions, please contact us at Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal. We’ve been serving northwest Arkansas for more than 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Northwest Arkansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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