LEARN HOW TO BUY A HEAT PUMP IN 5 MINUTES

You’re busy. So, researching about heat pumps shouldn’t take so long. Here’s a quick guide that teaches you how to buy a heat pump. And it shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes to read. It’ll help you understand:

• Heat pump efficiency ratings
• Important features to keep your eye on
• How to get a quality installation

(Side note: If you’re wondering if you should buy a heat pump, take a few more minutes and read this article: Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner and Furnace.)

SEER: Cooling efficiency rating

The SEER rating ranges from 13 to 20+ The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the heat pump cools your home, meaning lower utility bills in summer.

HSPF: Heating efficiency rating

The HSPF rating ranges from 7.7-10. The higher this rating, the more efficient the heat pump heats your home, meaning lower utility bills in winter. Both of these efficiency ratings are impacted by other features of the heat pump:

• Blower motor type
• Compressor type

Blower motor type: fixed, multi and variable speed

Your heat pump will have an inside unit called an air handler. Part of the air handler is the blower. Each blower motor type delivers a different level of comfort

• Fixed speed: Blower only turns on or off
• Multi speed: Revs up or down to run at different fixed speeds depending on your home’s needs.
• Variable speed (provides most comfort): Incrementally adjusts the air it blows based on your cooling and heating needs. This motor is especially useful in high humidity areas like Atlanta.

Compressor type: Single vs. multi-stage

The compressor is the heart of the heat pump system.

Single-stage compressor: Heat pump can only heat/cool air at full blast.
Multi-stage compressor: Can adjust its output capacity based on the demand, depending on how hot/cold it is on any given day or time of day. This saves you money and helps control humidity in your home.

Installation: Find a quality company to install it Find a quality HVAC company that:

• Has an excellent BBB rating
• Employs NATE certified technicians
• Has been in business for several years and has built and maintained a really good reputation (a labor warranty is only as good as the stability and reputation of the company)