If you have recently decided to replace your heat pump, you’ll want to make sure your home is prepped and ready for this important energy-saving installation. Before you have the new heat pump installed, take the time to prep your home to avoid problems from improper installation. A heat pump that is installed properly will deliver efficient heating and cooling, saving you money in the long run.
The following guidelines will help ensure successful installation and performance of your new heat pump:
- Make sure you home is as energy efficient as possible. This means adequate insulation, especially in the attic, which can radiate heat down into the home in the summer, and then suck up heat from your living spaces in the winter. Both occurrences make your new heat pump work harder. Similarly, sealing air leaks in your home’s outer envelope will reduce your home’s cooling and heating loads. These weatherization steps will allow you to purchase a smaller heat pump.
- Inform your contractor that you want a return register in every room if at all possible.
- Make sure ductwork is properly fastened and sealed well after installation by pulling on it. Seal any leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape.
- The ducts should be installed inside your home’s insulation and air barrier, and also should be properly insulated. A home can lose an incredible amount of energy through leaky or uninsulated ductwork. Proper duct design leads to maximum energy savings.
- Ask that all supply air ducts be installed with curved-blade grilles, which distribute cool air more evenly.
Contact Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal for more expert HVAC advice. See why northwest Arkansas homeowners have been relying on us for great service for over 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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