CRS Referred Products
Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps
Air Conditioning
When replacing your old furnace with a gas or electric furnace
instead of a heat pump consider adding central air conditioning at
the same time. Air conditioning provides more than comfort. Closed
windows reduce your exposure to allergens and air pollution, and
you'll certainly feel more secure with the air conditioning on and
the windows locked than with the windows open to catch the
occasional breeze.
Efficiency is Cool
Central air conditioners are rated according to their Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The higher the rating, the more
efficient the system. New air conditioners are required by federal
law to have a minimum SEER of 13 or higher. Consider higher SEER
ratings to minimize summer cooling costs.
Choosing the right size and location
Like a heat pump or furnace, your air conditioning system should
be properly sized to work efficiently and provide you with maximum
comfort. A system that's too large will not adequately remove
humidity; one that's too small won't keep you cool. A qualified
heating and air conditioning contractor can perform a heat-load
calculation to determine the size you need for your home. Like a
heat pump, place the outdoor unit where you won't disturb your
neighbors or your family. Some municipalities and counties have
established noise limits and placement guidelines. A qualified
installer should know these.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump is the most efficient electric heating system you can
buy. It can provide heat at about half the cost of an electric
furnace, and provides air conditioning as well.
A heat pump uses the same process your refrigerator uses to chill
your food- only in reverse! The heat pump takes heat extracted from
outdoor air and delivers it to the living space of your home through
a duct system. A heat pump will operate until outsidetemperatures
fall to about 35°F, when more costly supplemental electric heat
comes on.
Heat Pump efficiency
An efficient heat pump may cut your electric heating costs in
half. Heat pumps are rated by their Heating Season Performance
Factor (HSPF), which includes energy used by the heat pump for heat,
fans, and defrosting. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the
heat pump. The Washington State Energy Code requires that heat pumps
have an HSPF of 6.8 or greater. Ask your contractor about efficiency
and look for a higher HSPF. A HSPF from 10-13 is available in the
marketplace.
One size does not fit all!
Heat pump systems have various heating capacities. Capacity is
expressed in tons. A ton is equivalent to 12,000 Btus (British
thermal units) of heat created per hour. Most residential heat pumps
have a maximum heating capacity of two to five tons. It's important
to match the size of the heat pump to your home's heating needs. A
correctly sized heat pump should provide 80 to 90 percent of your
home's heating requirements for the year. A qualified installerwill
perform a whole-house heat-loss analysis that includes such factors
as the area exposed to the outside, the amount of insulation in your
home, airflow through ductwork, and typical outdoor temperatures.
Never accept vague estimates based on the square footage of your
home.
Minimizing Noise
When choosing equipment keep in mind that the fan and compressor
unit located outside will make noise. Avoid installing your heat
pumpnear bedroom windows (yours or your neighbor's). A wall or fence
between the outside unit and your neighbor can reduce the sound
transmission significantly. Some counties and municipalities have
set limits for heat-pump noise. Ask your contractor about the noise
level of the equipment you are considering and local codes regarding
noise and equipment location. Proper placement of the heat pump is
also critical to energy efficiency. Install the heat pump in an open
area, and not in the direct path of the sun. A northern exposure is
ideal.
Heat Pumps need maintenance
You should have your heat pump maintained by a professional every
year to help assure years of reliable service and to operate at
maximum efficiency. The contractor will clean dirty coils, lubricate
motors, check refrigerant levels, and inspect the system for
potential problems.
Heat Pump and Air Conditioning basics:
- Change or clean the indoor air filter every 3-6 months.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass, paper, firewood,
snow and other obstructions to airflow.
- Trim shrubs and plants so that they are at least 36 inches
away from the outdoor unit.
- Keep all of the homes supply registers and return air vents
open and unobstructed.
- Keep most interior doors at least slightly open.
- Make sure the insulation in your home is up to current energy
standards.
- Ask if current ductwork is large enough for a heat pump or air
conditioning.
- Check for leaky, damaged, or disconnected ductwork, and be
sure your contractor verifies that ducts are adequately insulated
(minimum R-8) to maximize heating and cooling performance.
- Insist on a warranty that covers parts and labor for the first
year and a longer manufacturer's warranty for the outdoor unit.
- Install an automatic set-back thermostat to adjust for daytime
and nighttime heating and cooling requirements.
- Ask if your existing electrical power supply is
adequate.
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