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| The Weather in Your Area |
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| Firstly, when buying a heat pump, you need to consider the weather or climate of the region you live in. If you live in a region where there are large fluctuations in the weather or where the temperature can drop to below freezing point, then a heat pump alone will not be able to provide sufficient heat for your home. You will need an additional heating system such as a furnace to provide heat. |
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| What is the Main Source of Heat Fuel in Your Area? |
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| Natural gas is considered to be more efficient and affordable for heating than electricity. If you live in an area which is rich in natural gas, then you should compare the advantages of having a heat pump with that of natural gas heating system. However, if electricity is used for heating in your area, then a heat pump which runs on electricity will be the best choice as it will provide substantial cost savings. |
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| Should You Choose an Air-Source or A Ground-Source Heat Pump? |
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| An air-source heat pump is like a central air conditioner except for the fact that besides cooling your home in the summers an it can heat your home in the winters. An air-source heating unit is also easier and less costly to install than a ground-source heat pump as no digging is required. However, an air-source heat pump can get frosted in the winter and then it uses the heat to defrost itself rather than providing heat to your home. However, you can buy an air source heating unit which has a demand-defrost control which minimizes the defrost cycle. |
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| A ground-source heat pump does not frost up as it works from underneath the ground where the temperature does not fluctuate much. It also works silently. However, you need to consider the high cost of installation of a ground-source heat pump when buying it. |
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| Efficiency |
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| You also need to look at the energy efficiency of different heat pumps when choosing among them. For doing this, you must consider their SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating. Federal efficiency standards require a heat pump to have HSPF rating of 6.8 at minimum and a SEER of at least 10.0. The most efficient heat pumps have a HSPF rating of about 9.0-1.0 and SEER of approximately 14. |
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| Are You Installing A Heat Pump in an Existing Home? |
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| If you plan to install a heat pump in an existing home, then you will need to expand the duct heat pumps are generally bigger than other heating systems. |
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| Thus, while shopping for a heat pump you should bear all the points in mind. By considering these points you will be able to get an appropriate heat pump for your home. |
