So you’re planning to buy a heat pump for your home, but you’re not sure which model to buy yet. With so many options on the market, how do you figure out which brand or model is best?
Different heat pumps work better in different homes, and there are several factors you may need to consider beyond price. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best heat pump for your home.
The Different Types of Heat Pumps
Air-Source Heat Pumps
Air-source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump system in the U.S. These heat pumps require ducts to work, so they are generally a good choice in homes that already have ducts for a furnace.
Air-source heat pumps tend to be sturdy and can work well with other heating or cooling systems. If you are looking for a basic, dependable heat pump system and already have ducts in your home, an air-source heat pump is a good choice.
Split-Ductless Heat Pumps
Split-ductless heat pumps do not require ductwork to function. Because they don’t need much construction, they are a popular choice in home additions.
If you don’t already have ducts in a part of your home, or if you are looking for an especially quiet heating system and would prefer to avoid ductwork-related energy losses, a split-ductless heating system could be a good choice for you.
What to Consider Before Buying a Heat Pump
Climate
Heat pumps tend to work best when temperatures aren’t extremely cold. Most models will work well in areas like the Pacific Northwest or South, but you may need to be more selective if you want your heat pump to help you through, say, a Wisconsin winter.
Talk to a heating contractor about which heat pump models will work best in your area before buying. Depending on your situation, it may make more sense to buy a highly efficient new furnace instead.
System Size
Heat pumps come in different sizes and heat different amounts of space. It’s important to choose a heat pump model that is the right size for your home, especially if you want to keep your costs down.
If your heat pump is undersized, it won’t heat or cool effectively. If it’s oversized, it will cycle on and off more often, which will shorten its life. Working with a heating contractor to determine the right size heat pump for your home will help you save money and stay comfortable.
You can reach out to the Paragon team if you have questions about the heat pump size you need.
Energy Efficiency
One of the best things about heat pumps is their energy efficiency, especially when the weather isn’t too cold. However, some heat pumps are still more efficient than others.
There are two main measures of energy efficiency you will see on heat pumps: the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), which shows the heating efficiency, and the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), which shows the cooling efficiency. If you will primarily use your heat pump for heating, the HSPF is more important, but if you are mostly looking to cool your home, you may want to pay more attention to the SEER. With both rating systems, a higher number is better.
You can expect to spend more on a more efficient heat pump, but you will generally make up for it over time with lower energy bills. If you can afford the upfront cost, you probably won’t regret spending more for higher energy efficiency.
Reliability
None of the factors above will matter if your heat pump continually breaks down! It’s worth spending more on a reliable, established brand that isn’t likely to fail just when you need your heat pump most.
Before you make a purchase, check in with a heat pump contractor who is familiar with different brands to see which heat pump models are most reliable.
Looking For Heat Pumps For Your Snohomish or East King County Home?
Paragon is a qualified dealer for a wide range of heat pump models. We have extensive experience with installing and repairing heat pumps in Pacific Northwest homes. Reach out to us today for assistance with choosing or installing a heat pump for your home.
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