How to Choose a New Heat Pump for Your Raleigh, NC Home

Installing a heat pump in your house can help you save hundreds of dollars on energy bills. The system operates efficiently in the sub-tropical climate of Raleigh, NC. Before shopping for a new heat pump, it’s important to consider the following factors.

Type of Heat Pump

For most homes, air-source heat pumps are a good choice. These are easy to maintain and can reduce your energy bills by up to 50% compared to electric furnaces.

If you need to cover a large area, geothermal heat pumps are also practical. They are expensive, but they can last up to 25 years. For small homes and dwellings without a system of ducts, you should consider a split ductless heat pump.

Energy Efficiency

When buying a heat pump, keep an eye on the efficiency rating. SEER rating and HSPF rating determine the cooling and heating efficiency, respectively. The SEER rating for energy efficiency should be at least 13, and the HSPF rating should be at least 7.7 for the appliance to work efficiently.

According to Consumer Reports, the most energy-efficient heat pumps have a SEER rating between 18 to 27.5 and an HSPF rating between 8.5 and 12.5. These ratings are for air-source and ductless heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps use a similar but different system of ratings.

Size of the Heat Pump

The size of the system is critical to maintaining efficiency. If it’s too large, it can cycle on and off regularly. If it’s small, it will not provide enough warmth.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America offers specifications to calculate the most efficient size of the system. These calculations take into account your home’s foundation, insulation, the thickness of the wall and other factors. A trained HVAC technician can advise you regarding the exact size of the system.

If you need assistance in selecting a heat pump for your home, we can help you. Call Mitchell Heating & Cooling to get high-quality HVAC services at a very reasonable rate.

Image provided by iStock