Size (Capacity)
A heat pump that’s too small for your needs will struggle to keep your home comfortable. On the other hand, an oversized unit will cost more, and if it isn’t a variable-speed model, it will cycle on and off more often than it should. This decreases efficiency, stresses components, and leaves your home less comfortable.
A heat pump’s cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.). Btu/hr. can also be expressed in “tons,” with 1 ton equaling 12,000 Btu/hr. To ensure that your heat pump is sized correctly, make sure your contractor does a load calculation based on a recognized method, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J. The calculations should be done after any air-sealing or insulation upgrades are made to your home and should be done whether you’re replacing a unit or installing a new system.
One nuance to consider: If you’re planning to keep a backup heating system alongside your heat pump, consider getting an undersized heat pump. A contractor can help you figure out whether this makes sense in your home.
Note that heat pumps need far less capacity to heat a space than a furnace or boiler would because they’re much more energy-efficient. For example, if your home needed a 100,000-Btu/hr. furnace, it may need only a 36,000-Btu/hr. heat pump.
Compressor Type
The compressor is the heart of a heat pump—it’s the part that actually pumps the heat. Basic heat pumps have a single-speed compressor. It’s either on or off. This system works well enough, but the temperature and relative humidity in your home will swing up and down with the cycles. Some compressors have two speeds, which mitigates the swings, but they’re still present.
The gold standard is a variable-speed compressor. It’s designed to run almost constantly, adjusting itself over time to deliver only as much heating or cooling as it takes to keep your home comfortable. It’s also much better at keeping relative humidity under control than single-speed models are.
Variable-speed compressors not only keep your home more comfortable but also are more energy-efficient. It may seem counterintuitive, but it takes much less energy to move a tiny bit of heat all the time than to move a lot of heat quickly.
Efficiency
Some heat pumps use less energy than others to deliver the same level of comfort. In cooling mode, efficiency is commonly expressed as the seasonal energy-efficiency rating, or SEER. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency. In heating mode, the measurement used is the heating seasonal performance factor, or HSPF. Again, the higher the number, the more energy-efficient the unit.
As of January 2023, the Department of Energy adopted new testing methods for energy efficiency, replacing the SEER and HSPF values with SEER2 and HSPF2, while also increasing efficiency standards.
Heat pumps with higher SEER/SEER2 and HSPF/HSPF2 ratings tend to cost more, but they’ll often pay for themselves over time through lower energy costs, and they may be eligible for better tax incentives or rebates than less efficient models. Heat pumps with higher SEER ratings also tend to have higher HSPF ratings, though there’s no direct relationship between the two. If you live in a warm climate, pay closer attention to the SEER. In cold climates, look for a higher HSPF.
Climate Performance
If you live in a region with cold winters, you’ll need to either pick a heat pump that’s rated to work well in the lowest temperatures that your region regularly experiences or have a secondary heating system to back up your heat pump.
All air-source heat pumps struggle to perform as temperatures drop; the space they can effectively heat shrinks and they don’t work as efficiently. The threshold for poor performance varies from model to model. Some heat pumps falter at 25° F, others at 17° F or lower.
Models marketed as cold-climate heat pumps can work to their full potential all the way down to 5° F and may deliver some heat even down to -20° F or lower. The best course is to work with a qualified local contractor who knows what kind of equipment works well in your area.
If you live in an area where the temperature rarely or never drops below freezing (32° F), a basic heat pump can handle the bulk of your heating and cooling needs. You can keep a simple electrical-resistance backup system (sometimes built into the heat pump itself) for unusual cold snaps.
Noise
Manufacturers publish the noise levels of their products in the user manual and often on their websites. They tend to include noise estimates across a variety of outdoor temperatures and fan speeds, measured in decibels. A lower rating is better, especially if the heat pump will be installed near a bedroom window.
Reliability
In our member survey, heat pumps from eight brands were judged highly reliable, but only two of them also got top marks for owner satisfaction. Consumer Reports members can see the predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings for 29 brands of heat pumps, based on data that CR members have shared about 10,158 heat pumps they bought new and installed in their own homes between 2007 and 2023. Those findings are summarized in our guide to the Most and Least Reliable Heat Pumps.
If you are looking to buy a heat pump for your home, there are several things you need to consider to ensure you get the best unit for your needs. Heat pumps are an excellent investment because they can both heat and cool your home, making them a versatile and energy-efficient option. Here are ten things you should consider before making your purchase:
Modern heat pumps are not noisy. They are also not silent like a traditional electric water heaters. They make about as much noise as an air conditioner, but the noise isn’t offensive. However, it is not advisable to install a heat pump near a bedroom window, as it may affect your sleeping.
Heat pumps operate more efficiently outside as they transfer ambient air temperature into heat, and there are cases where the heat pumps operate possibly less efficiently inside. In saying, it’s imperative that if installing a heat pump inside, the area is at least the size of a double garage. And be aware that the heat pump expels cold air from the fan, so the areas where the heat pump is will be cool, similar to an air-conditioned room.
Good-quality heat pumps will operate fine in cooler climates. And in temperatures up to -5 degrees. Once you get below minus 5 degrees the units may frost up and not operate efficiently. Units that run on CO2 rather than a refrigerant gas will work better in areas where the temperature consistently; gets below -5 degrees. However, these units are considerably more expensive.
This completely depends on your hot water consumption, it’s advisable to allow your heat pump to heat when it wants to or on continuous tariff, by allowing out heat when it needs will.
This is really dependent on the quality of the product that you purchase. Good quality heat pumps are very reliable and are covered with decent warranties by reputable companies. Cheaper-known products sold by companies that you’ve never heard of before may be less reliable. All these heat pumps have more components and working equipment than a traditional electric or gas water heater and therefore may or may not require additional servicing.
From dead cold, say 17 degrees a heat pump with a capacity of 300L will take around 4 hours to get up to a temperature of 70 degrees. Depending on your consumption I would always allow a few hours to get back to temperature after normal use.
Yes, right now with the government incentives it’s never been a better time to buy heat pump water heaters. Heat pump hot water system technology has been around for a very long time and good quality products are very robust now.
You are, as a tax-paying citizen, we are all contributing to the rebates, which makes it imperative that you don’t waste the rebate dollars on poor quality cheap products. These rebates will line the pockets of Chinese and foreign companies if you do not choose wisely.
This depends on the installation requirements for your property, including but not limited to space, cost and efficiency. Best to talk to your local plumber and see what they would recommend for your installation.
Choose a reputable brand with a proven track record for reliability and durability. This will ensure that your unit lasts for many years. Then look no further.has a range of smart, affordable, energy-efficient hot water solutions that will provide your home or business with low-cost, fast, reliable hot water.
Purchasing a heat pump is a significant investment, and there are several factors to consider before making your purchase. By taking the time to research and understand your options, you can ensure you choose the right unit for your home and enjoy energy-efficient heating and cooling for many years to come.