Heat Pump System Money Saving Tips

Saving money on a new heat pump can be done if you know how to go about it. Most consumers today are eager to spend less when possible, and these 5 tips for saving money on a heat pump will help you get a quality unit for the best price possible.

Shop for Deals

As with any other products, deals are available when you are on a tight budget and looking to save some money. For heat pumps, deals are common at the end of the heating season but before the air conditioning season gets going. That time frame will change depending on where you live, but late winter to early spring is a good time to buy a new heat pump. You may also find deals on discontinued models. Brands change models somewhat frequently, offering updates and tweaked technology. If you buy a discontinued model, simply make sure that it comes with a full warranty.

Resist Buying Performance Features

To get the lowest price, you may have to sacrifice some performance. For example, a 16 SEER, 4-ton heat pump with single-stage cooling might cost $500-$1,000 less than a 16 SEER, 4-ton 2-stage heat pump from the same brand. If you can live with single-stage heating and cooling, don’t purchase the upgrade no matter how much the sales person pushes. In most cases, unless you’re very conscious of indoor climate factors, you won’t notice much difference. If you’re buying a complete system, the same principle is true in regard to single-speed vs. variable-speed air handlers.

Don’t Buy High Efficiency if You Don’t Need It

If choosing green technology for your home is a top priority, you should buy the most efficient model you can afford. Otherwise, buy a heat pump that matches your climate. Where summers are very hot, a heat pump with a SEER rating of 17 or above will be the most cost-efficient in the long-run. Where summers are warm and occasionally hot, a unit in the 15-17 SEER range will be best. In climates with summers that are warm but not hot, a 13-15 SEER model might make the most economic sense.

Don’t be talked into buying a more efficient model unless you can be convinced that the extra money you pay for it will be returned to you through lower energy bills in a number of years you’re comfortable with. For example, if it will take 5 years and you may sell your house in 3, don’t do it.

Look for Utility Rebates and Credits

This will mean buying more efficient equipment than you otherwise would, since they apply to high efficiency models. However, the credits and rebates will reduce your expenditure and will also keep energy costs lower every month. Check with your energy company to find rebates and credits available to you.

Get Multiple Estimates and Negotiate your Best Deal

Definitely get at least 3 written estimates on systems you are considering. They will form the starting point for getting the best price. From there, feel free to make a counter offer on the deal you like the best. There’s nothing wrong with doing this, and a contractor will often be willing to work with your figures in order to secure the job. If not, they’ll give you their best offer and you can take it or leave it.

Some consumers find that putting these tips to work saves them 15% to 40% on a heat pump. Use the tips that make sense for your situation, and you are very likely to save money on the heat pump system you choose.

5 Ways to Save money on a New Heat Pump System

If you’ve been shopping for heat pump systems, you’ve been faced with the decision of choosing a single-speed air handler or spending more on a variable-speed model. The same thing is true for the heat pump itself, with single-stage, 2-stage and modulating heat pumps available.

What are the advantages of staged heating and variable-speed air handlers? Are they worth the extra money? Here are the benefits, so you can decide if they’re worth the money for your situation.

Benefits of Staged Heating

A single-stage heat pump runs at full capacity all the time it’s on. The drawbacks are that it runs at peak decibels too, which can be noisy. Secondly, single-stage units tend to produce slight temperature fluctuations and imbalances that can be noticeable at times.

Two-stage heat pumps run at low capacity, which is about 65%, most of the time. The first advantage is quieter operation. Secondly, they heat more gently and evenly. Finally, they reduce humidity better in warm weather.

A modulating heat pump runs between 40% and 100%, adjusting in 1% increments. The result is the quietest operation of any type heat pump as well as the most comfortable temperatures and humidity level.

Benefits of a Variable Speed Air Handler

Variable speed air handlers start on low and gradually ramp up to high at the peak of the cycle before slowing down again. First, this eliminates blasts of cold air at the beginning of a heating cycle. They don’t push out full-capacity air before it is properly heated. In the summer, you don’t get warm air at the start of a cycle.

Secondly, because they run on lower speed most of the time, variable speed air handlers are quieter than single speed models. When they are combined with 2-stage or modulating heat pumps, they work much more gently. The cycles are longer, so the house slowly heats or cools. The result is that the areas furthest from the thermostat have time to heat or cool before the thermostat shuts off the system. This approach also removes more humidity in warm weather, creating a more comfortable home, and increases the effectiveness of air purification systems in any season.

Finally, variable-speed air handlers maximize the efficiency of heat pumps, producing SEER ratings up to 1.5 points higher than single-speed air handlers can. The effect is optimized when a variable speed air handler is matched with a 2-stage or modulating heat pump. The result is lower energy bills throughout the year, helping to pay back the higher cost of the equipment.

As you can see, a variable-speed heat pump system produces a more comfortable home, quieter operation and lower energy bills. If low cost of the equipment is your top priority, a variable-speed system may not be worth it.

However, if better climate control and indoor comfort is the goal, a variable speed system makes sense, especially one that helps you recover the extra cost through reduced utility bills.

Benefits of Variable Speed Air Handlers and Heat Pumps

2018 The Year Of The Heat Pump

What features make heat pumps cost more? There are several that can significantly increase the cost of the system, though none of them are essential. Here are the 3 heat pump features that may increase the price.

The Use of a Variable Speed Blower with the System

If you choose an air handler with a variable speed blower, it can increase the cost by 15% to 20%. Two-stage and modulating heat pumps require the use of a variable speed blower in order to achieve the climate advantages the heat pump offers. For the extra expense of a variable speed air handler, you’ll enjoy more gentle heating and cooling with fewer temperature fluctuations. You’ll notice better balance throughout your home, and more humidity will be removed during each cooling cycle. Many homeowners consider it a benefit worth paying extra for.

The Higher the SEER Rating the More Expensive the Heat Pump Will Be

SEER rating is like gas mileage. It measures how efficiently the unit uses electricity while heating and cooling. The higher the SEER rating, or seasonal energy efficiency rating, the more efficient the unit is. Currently, the least efficient heat pumps are in the 13-14 SEER range while the most efficient have SEER ratings in the low to mid 20s. All else being equal, the cost of the units increase by 5% to 15% for each additional SEER point. A 20 SEER heat pump can easily cost 50% to 100% more than a 13 SEER model.

The advantage of a higher SEER rating is that the unit will use less electricity. Your heating and cooling bills can be lower by 50% or more. In warm climates, you may recoup the cost of a more efficient heat pump in just 2-5 years. Many homeowners choose higher efficiency models because they also cut down on greenhouse gas production, so are easier on the environment.

Some Brands of Heat Pump Cost More

The most popular heat pump brands often cost more. On average, Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Maytag, American Standard and a few others cost more throughout their product lineup than brands like Goodman, Amana, Coleman and Payne. A 2-stage, 16 SEER Carrier heat pump may cost 50% more than a 2-stage, 16 SEER Goodman, for example.

Some of the additional cost is simply the reputation that Carrier and other popular brands have, and the expense of their advertising budgets. However, a large part of the higher cost is also due to the high-quality parts the top brands use as well as the good service record most of them have.

Low Cost Heat Pumps

You can save money by purchasing a relatively inexpensive heat pump. Keep in mind that in very warm climates, an inefficient heat pump will lead to significantly higher utility bills. A single-stage heat pump with a single-speed blower won’t produce as comfortable a climate. And you may not get the top quality you do with the most expensive brands. One or more of these may be a trade-off you’re willing to make in order to cut down on the cost of the heat pump system you buy.

3 Features of Heat Pumps that May Increase the Price!

Heat pumps have improved over the last few decades, and they are growing in popularity once again. Whether you live in a warmer climate and need a standard heat pump or are looking for a quality geo-thermal unit for your northern home, there are certain features you should know about. Once you know what all those numbers are on the heat pump information tag, you will be able to make the best decision for your home and comfort.

The SEER Number
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating is one of the most important numbers you will see on your heat pump. Higher numbers are more attractive because they indicate that the system is putting our more heat or cool air for every unit of energy used. The SEER number refers specifically to cooling capacity, and the federal government has mandated that all new units must carry a SEER-13 level. The highest levels currently on the market are SEER-23, and the Maytag PSH4BI has a SEER-22 rating.

HSPF for Efficiency
The other important number is the Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor. This is the total space of heating required divided by the energy used to create the heat and expressed in watt-hours. Higher numbers are more attractive, and the minimum you should accept is between 8 and 10 HSPF. The Maytag mentioned before with a SEER-22 rating carries a 10.0 HSPF. However, you can choose the Carrier Infinity Series 25VNAO with a HSPF rating of 13.0. The SEER-20.5 rating is slightly lower, but if you need more energy to cool your home in the summer, then the Carrier may still be the better choice for you.

Two-Stage Operation
One clever feature of newer heat pumps is their two-stage operation options. One stage runs the system at a lower level to maintain temperature and keep you comfortable, but the higher stage can kick in when extreme temperatures would cause the smaller unit to strain. It’s a little like having two cars in the driveway; an energy-efficient sedan for daily driving in nice weather and a powerful SUV for getting you around when snow piles up on the road. The system automatically determines which one is necessary for weather conditions, so you will enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures while saving energy.

Warranty Considerations
Heat pumps are a major investment in your home, so you want one with a quality warranty. The Maytag features an impressive 12-years warranty on parts, but who will install them? In addition to looking for a manufacturer that will stand behind their product, look for an installation company that will stand behind their work. The right HVAC company to install your heat pump will have years of experience, a proven track record and a warranty on their labor. If something goes wrong with the unit in the first several years, they will come out and take care of it at no charge.

Geo-Thermal Heat Pumps
If you live in a cold climate, you might want to consider a geo-thermal unit. Pulling air from deep in the ground or even using water from deep in a lake or pond near your home, these systems are ideal for climates that see severe cold weather in the winter. They are more expensive to install, but their durability and energy efficiency makes them a great choice.

The Top Heat Pumps

Maytag PSH4BI iQ Drive – SEER-22 and 10 HSPF
This system uses inverter-rotary technology to perfectly offset your heating and cooling needs. Exceptionally quiet, you will not hear the system running because it moves air at an impressive 59 decibels. It also has impressive dehumidification features. A Consumer’s Digest Best Buy, the durable system features a stainless steel jacket and qualifies as a green fixture. With the incredible high SEER number, this system is a great choice if you live in warmer climates and need more help cooling the home when the temperature rises. It also comes with a 12-year warranty on parts.

Carrier Infinity Series Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence – SEER-20.5 and 13 HSPF
Another very quiet heat pump, the Carrier operates at levels as low as 58 decibels. Variable speed operation creates the highest comfort levels because it allows the system to run for longer periods at lower speeds. Like using cruise control in the car, it actually uses less energy while providing you with consistent temperature control for superior comfort. Featuring WeatherArmor to protect the exterior components from the elements, it is rated at seven out of seven for heating efficiency, cooling efficiency and quiet operating levels. With the impressive heating efficiency, this system is a good choice for cooler climates. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty after proper registration.

American Standard Platinum ZM – SEER-19 and 9 HSPF
While the efficiency levels of this system are lower, the price is also a little lower. More affordable to install, it still saves homeowners an average of 60 percent on their heating and cooling bills. If you are replacing an old system with low energy efficiency ratings, then that savings could be even higher. One of the features that make this system so energy efficient is the two compressors that will help you lower energy costs. The variable speed motor keeps temperatures throughout the home even, and the humidity control levels ensure that you can keep the humidity out of the air in summer. The warranty on this system covers the compressor for 12 years, the outdoor coil for ten years and other internal functional parts for ten years.

Trane XL20i – SEER-19 and 9 HSPF
This variable speed unit feature Comfort-R enhancing airflow technology. With this clever addition, you will have greater humidity control in summer. The system supplies a slower fan speed upon startup in the summer and warmer air upon initial start-up in winter. These managed cycles help control the temperature in your home. Two compressors are used with the larger one kicking in when the weather is extremely hot. Extremely quiet, the multi-stage compressor creates quiet comfort you will enjoy throughout the year. You also have the option of adding advanced air filtration with the Trane CleanEffects system to keep dust, pollen and other irritants out of the air. The warranty is comparable to the one offered by American Standard with ten-year coverage on the outdoor coil and internal functional parts and a 12-year warranty on the compressor.

Lennox XP21 – SEER-19.2 and 9.7 HSPF
Two-stage operation keeps the home comfortable while the quiet operation won’t interfere with household activities. SunSource compatible, this system can be linked to solar models to run off the sun’s energy. It can also be combined with a gas furnace to help you maximize energy efficiency if you live in extremely cold climates and prefer to heat the house with gas in extremely cold weather. The Humiditrol dehumidification system removes moisture from the air, so your home will stay comfortable even in the hottest weather. It features a 10-year limited warranty on the compressor and other covered components.

Goodman SSZ16 – SEER-16 and 9.75 HSPF
A high-efficiency scroll compressor blends with SmartShift technology to provide you with seamless temperature control throughout the year. Sound control keeps the system quiet. Energy efficient, this affordable option will help you lower your utility bills while keeping the home comfortable. One attractive feature of the Goodman is the lifetime warranty on the compressor combined with a 10-year parts warranty on other functional items.

Trane T2GX All-in-One System
Geothermal units use an Energy Efficiency Ratio that is calculated by dividing the output cooing by the power input using outside air temperature, set inside temperature and relative humidity. An EER-11 rating is equivalent to about a SEER-13, to the EER-29.4 rating of the Trane is truly amazing. Available in single-and two-stage options, the variable speed blower has up to 12 airflow options to maximize comfort. Homes in the warm southern climates may not need geothermal options, but people living in the snowy north can benefit greatly from their improved heating ability. Pulling air from the stable environment found below the surface of the earth makes these systems more efficient and extremely affordable to run. The Trane also features different configurations, so it can be customized to work beautifully in any region.

Whether you live in a hot climate or a cooler one, heat pumps can help you save money on heating and cooling costs. One system is used to provide you with cool comfort in the summer and warmth when the mercury starts to fall. Most systems feature at least a 10-year limited warranty, but you still need to make sure you hire a qualified installation company that will provide you with a warranty on installation services. The more efficient options tend to carry a higher price tag, but they will pay for themselves over time through lower utility bills. Before choosing the right system, talk to HVAC professionals to find out which ones work best in your particular region and will function the best in your home.

Reviews of the Best Rated Heat Pumps for 2015

Do Heat Pumps Replace Central Air Conditioners?

Can you replace a gas furnace/air conditioner system with a heat pump? That’s a question many homeowners ask as they consider the next heating and cooling system for their home. Heat pumps do replace air conditioners frequently. Here’s how it is done and why it is worth considering in your home.

Heat Pump HVAC Systems

A heat pump produces both heating and cooling. It’s built like a central air conditioner, but with a reversing valve. In warm months, the refrigerant captures heat inside your home and carries it outside. In cool months, it collects heat outside and carries it indoors, releasing it to warm your home. This action is why this type of system is called a heat pump – its moving of heat from one location to another.

In most climates, instead of a furnace, the system uses an air handler to circulate heated and cooled air. It’s a cabinet that can house the system’s indoor coil as well as a blower motor and fan. There’s no burner, and it doesn’t make heat. Most air handlers in heat pump split systems do contain one or more electric heat strips that produce heat like a space heater does. They make extra heat to assist the heat pump when temperatures outside are quite cold. By themselves though, the heating strips don’t make enough heat to fully warm your home.

Standard heat pumps work in all but the coolest climates. Once the temperature outside falls into the low 30s – it varies slightly from heat pump to heat pump – they become inefficient in their collecting of heat, and eventually ineffective altogether.

The solution to this problem is a type of unit known as a dual fuel heat pump. It works in a split system with a gas furnace. The heat pump does the work when temperatures are in the 40s or above; the system is programmed to switch to the gas furnace for heat when outside temperatures fall into the 30s and below. It switches back to the heat pump when outside temps rise again.

The Advantage of a Heat Pump Split System

The primary reason to consider a heat pump versus a gas furnace is that these systems heat much more efficiently, so they cost significantly less to operate. Depending on how efficient the system is, it may produce 20% to 40% lower heating bills than a gas furnace. Even in a dual fuel system, it is cost-effective to run the heat pump as much as possible. Depending on how cold the climate is, heat pumps do 70% to 85% of the heating in dual fuel systems.

Summary

Yes, heat pumps replace central air conditioners and gas/oil furnaces. They are a comfortable way to heat any home and to keep utility costs down throughout the year.

Do Heat Pumps Replace Central Air Conditioners?

How do minisplit heat pumps compare with standard heat pump split systems? When homeowners are looking for the best way to heat and cool their home, this is a common question. In the minisplit system versus standard heat pump system debate, what are each type’s relative advantages?

Heat Pump System Size

For compact size, minisplit systems are unbeatable. The condensing unit is less than half the size of a standard heat pump condensing unit, so less room is required outside your home. The compact size makes roof installation more feasible on some homes.

Inside your home, minisplit systems don’t necessarily take up less space but the space they use is distributed. They don’t have a single large air handler that is installed in the basement, for example. In an average-size home, a minisplit system may require 4 smaller air handlers in 4 separate zones, installed on or near the ceiling where they are unobtrusive.

The Ductless Difference

Equipment costs for minisplit systems are often lower in part because most don’t require duct work. The air handler is located in the zone it serves, with a power line, refrigerant line and drain line connected to it through the wall and out of sight. There are no ducts to clean, insulate or maintain. This attractive features is just one more reason ductless minisplit systems are growing in popularity.

Balanced Temperatures

Here, the advantage goes to a traditional heat pump system and ducts. While a single zone will have just one air handler with a minisplit system, with a standard heat pump system the same zone may have 2-5 air vents distributing heated or cooled air to the room. Minisplit systems do contain quiet but powerful distribution fans that do a good job of circulating treated air throughout the zone, but slight temperature differences may be noticeable, though generally not uncomfortable.

Heat Pump Cost

Prices are more competitive than they’ve ever been, though for an average-size home, total equipment costs will still be higher for a minisplit system in most cases. For smaller homes where just one outdoor unit is required along with 2-4 indoor units, a minisplit system can be very cost-effective, especially since total installation costs are usually less.

The type of heat pump system you choose depends on the specific factors of your home and heating/cooling needs. It may make sense to get written estimates from several contractors for each type of system so you can compare them head to head in all the important factors.

MiniSplit Heat Pumps Versus Split Systems

Have you seen the terms dual fuel and hybrid heat and wondered what they mean? They refer to the same concept – a heat pump that can be installed in a system with a gas furnace instead of an air handler.

How a Dual Fuel Heat Pump System Works

In a standard split system, an air conditioner does the cooling and a gas or oil furnace does all the heating. In a hybrid heat system, for a few hundred dollars more, you can upgrade the AC unit to a heat pump. Keep in mind that a heat pump uses the same technology as a central air conditioner, but reverses it when in heating mode. In warm weather, it captures heat indoors and dumps it outside. In cold weather, the action of the refrigerant is reversed and it absorbs heat outside and pumps it indoors.

A condensing unit is the core of both a central air conditioner and a heat pump. The only difference is that the heat pump uses additional parts including a reversing valve in order to do double duty as a source of heat.

Benefits of a Dual Fuel Heat Pump System

There are several reasons to consider a hybrid dual fuel system, especially in cooler climates. In very warm climates, a standard heat pump system with and air handler remains the most cost-effective heat pump, comfortable way to heat and cool your home and you may not need a dual fuel system with a furnace. The one drawback to a heat pump is that it won’t be effective once outside temperatures drop into the mid-30s. So in very cold weather, a furnace must be used.

The first and most important benefit of a dual fuel system is lower utility bills. An efficient heat pump can heat up to 3 times more efficiently than even a high-efficiency gas furnace. Therefore, when outdoor temperatures allow, you’ll save significantly by heating with a heat pump. Depending on your climate, 70% to 90% of your heating can be supplied by the heat pump in a dual fuel system. The extra expense for a hybrid heat system is usually paid back through lower utility bills in 2-4 years, depending on your climate.

Secondly, dual fuel systems don’t dry out the air when heating like gas furnaces do. You’ll have less need of a humidifier when heating with a heat pump, making your indoor climate more comfortable.

Finally, with 2 sources of heat, you’ve got a backup if one of them stops working effectively. If the heat pump breaks down, the furnace won’t be affected. If the burner on the furnace goes out, you can use the heat pump even in sub-freezing weather as long as the furnace blower is working. It won’t heat efficiently, but it may provide enough heat to keep your pipes from freezing or causing you to have to relocate until the furnace is repaired.

If you are considering heating with a gas furnace, take a close look at a dual fuel, hybrid heat system. It will cost $500-$800 more, but your utility savings will begin to pay you back immediately, and you may find your home is more comfortable too.

Dual Fuel and Hybrid Heat Pumps Explained