You know how your refrigerator works: heat from inside the fridge is pushed outside. Heat pumps do the opposite: they work to take heat from the outside air and transfer it inside your building or facility.

If in cooling mode, heat pumps will work just like your fridge, where the heat is moved from indoors to outdoors. (And yes, that can be confusing to people because they aren’t sure exactly what a heat pump does, thanks to the name.)

The benefit is your heat pump is moving heat instead of generating heat, which—when you choose the right heat pump for your business—can save energy and money. We’ve seen some building save hundreds of dollars per month when properly installed and maintained.

Let’s take a closer look at what to look for when selecting a heat pump.

What to Consider When Selecting a Heat Pump

There are several types of heat pumps—air source, split ductless, and geothermal. In general, the most common type of heat pump is the air-source heat pump.

But there’s more that goes into the decision than you may realize. Besides the actual climate you live in, which should be taken into consideration, you also want an HVAC company that can help you with the following:

The right size and type of heat pump model for your building or your home.

If it’s over-sized, you are going to be paying more than you should be. Plus, it will cycle on and off more than it should which can shorten its life over time. If it’s undersized, again, it’s not going to be working optimally for your space. (Along the same lines though, you’ll be determining if in fact you are heating and/or cooling your entire building, or just part of it, with the heat pump.)

An expert will look at what your building is made of, the foundation, wall thicknesses, insulation values, windows, air filtration and more to determine the optimal size and type where it will cool and heat most effectively (3).

The implications your insulation will have on the heat pump.

Great installation may mean you can get an entirely different typy/model of heat pump. So it’s important to have proper insulation sorted out first so that you can efficiently heat and cool your building. Just think of your refrigerator had major gaps in it and it was always working harder than it had to in order to stay cool (1, 2, 3).

The heat pump’s efficiency rating.

The most efficient heat pumps on the market will produce about twice as much heat as the least efficient models, using the same amount of electricity (1, 2, 3). Assuming it’s a fit, you want to see signs of major efficiency with the model you choose, such as an ENERGY STAR mark.

The heat pump brand’s reputation.

We supply quality brands from warranty-backed suppliers. Be sure that you have a brand that is reliable, advanced in its features, and has performed over time. It’s such a major investment for your business, so you want to choose a reputable brand.

The latest innovations.

We’re on top of the latest heat pumps that are available to you such as innovations with the scroll compressors, desuperheaters, two-speed compressors, and variable-speed or dual-speed motors, among other features that can offer ideal comfort at maximum efficiency and minimal noise.

Heat pumps today can also be equipped with burners to supplement the heat pump. These are essentially back-up burners that help to deliver more year-round comfort. We stay on top of these options for those who are interested (2, 3.)

After You Get Your Heat Pump Installed

With such low running costs and the fact they offer instant heat, heat pumps are popular for buildings. After all, they deliver comfort, convenience (via the remote), and control.

You also want to be sure the HVAC company you choose is able to fully explain to you (and any other people such as facility managers or building owners) how to properly use your heat pump. A proper demonstration and explanation can include:

• Basic operation of how to use your heat pump
• How to use the remote, thermostat, timers, and more
• How and when to switch air filters
• Different operating modes and how to know/when to use each
• Any steps that you would need to know when maintaining it remotely
• The details of their specific maintenance agreement (1)

Turn to GC Home Services for Heat Pump Install, Repair or Maintenance

Today’s modern heat pump technology is incredibly energy efficient and effective at providing consistent and affordable heat. Remember we offer free estimates for new systems: call us at 859-491-4915 or toll free at 844-491-4915.

Sources:

1. https://www.temperzone.co.nz/SiteAssets/Public/154/…/choose-heat-pump-08.pdf
2. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-and-cool/heat-pump-systems
3. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/heat-pumps/buying-guide/index.htm