Time for a New Heat Pump? Features to Consider
Back to BlogAre you thinking about updating your heating or cooling equipment? Has your heat pump seen better days? As you look for a new model, it’s important to consider several factors. It’s not a matter of just heading out to a store and picking up a selection from a shelf, and a bit of research can help you make the right decision. Your system may provide you with 10 to 14 years of service, so your decision should be made carefully.
Will Your Heat Pump Replace Separate Heating and Cooling Units?
Many of our customers love the fact that a heat pump combines heating and cooling functions into one unit. If you are streamlining equipment, this will be a great step. Others prefer to keep a furnace in place for chilly weather. This decision should be based on your specific winter conditions as sub-freezing temperatures can be harder on heat pumps. A dual fuel system may be great, merging both heating sources, if you expect to face those occasional hard freezes. In many areas that we service, though, a furnace isn’t essential.
HVAC Efficiency Considerations
You dual purpose equipment will have two efficiency levels to consider. Its SEER is a measure of cooling efficiency while its HSPF is a measure of heating function. The higher these numbers are, the more energy-efficient your equipment will be. As you consider higher ratings, you can expect to experience reduced energy costs. For the best operating expenses, you will want to find those systems with especially high ratings.
HVAC System Noise Levels
Some people are concerned about the noise levels of their HVAC systems. It’s important to realize that this aspect of equipment design has improved dramatically in recent years. Sound levels on systems range from mid-70s in decibels to upper 50s. More efficient equipment tends to also include lower noise levels.
Budget Considerations and Tax Incentives
You should also realize that higher efficiencies correlate to higher costs for purchase. If your budget is limited, you may want to consider a lower efficiency rating so that your system will be affordable. In addition to your current budget for new equipment, you should also consider the availability of 25C federal energy tax credits. These are provided for eligible equipment that meets the program’s efficiency criteria. This can lessen the overall cost of your system, making it worthwhile to consider one of the more efficient models.
Manufacturer Incentives
As we work with our manufacturers, we find that there are various incentives and specials available from time to time. Sometimes these are available as percentage discounts. In other cases, discount values are based on the systems selected. You may want to include these incentives and other financing options in your decision-making process.
Preventative Maintenance
With new heating and cooling equipment in place, you may feel relief at not needing to worry about system performance for a while. It’s helpful to consider seasonal maintenance for your equipment so that it stays in top working condition for a long time. You can contact one of our representatives at Conditioned Air, Inc., to discuss your new equipment questions or to learn more about system maintenance.