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During the more extreme seasons. we tend to value the importance of having heating or cooling in our homes. With that comes an unspoken trust between us and the systems we rely on to keep us comfortable.
One of the worst things that can happen on a frigid winter day is to have a customer’s heating system die and be left with nothing but plug-in heaters and — if they’re lucky — a cozy fireplace. When it comes to heating and cooling, there are many factors to consider, but I want to focus on heat pumps.
What should contractors look for in a heat pump? What makes the technology ideal for home comfort? What are the distinguishing characteristics of a versatile, reliable and user-friendly heat pump, either air-source or ground-source (https://bit.ly/4jfRolz)?
First, consider size. Heating and cooling are not a one-size-fits-all sort of issue. Just as we would have a fair bit of trouble running a marathon in shoes that are too small or too large for us, a heat pump isn’t going to function well if it isn’t applied to something that fits correctly. A heat pump that’s too small can only meet a fraction of your customer’s needs, but one that’s too large could lead to increased energy bills and a myriad of other problems.
Efficiency is vital; contractors can measure this using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Both correspond to the more universal rating known as the Coefficient of Performance. Simply put, the higher the pump’s rating, the more energy-efficient and cost-effective it should be. Factors to consider include the type of compressor and other components used.
Cost is an important factor in choosing a heat pump. It depends on its size, features and design. An energy-efficient model may be more expensive upfront, but could save money in the long run.
Comparing these costs to the potential for benefits such as energy cost, ease of use and creature comforts produces the ROI. Sometimes, howoner, an ROI can’t be measured in dollars. Comfort and dependability are intangible. The maintenance and lifespan of a system should also be taken into consideration.
Environmental impact is becoming an increasingly important factor for many users. The impact a heat pump has on the climate is an ethical priority with financial benefits. The Inflation Reduction Act rewards environmentally friendly decision-making through tax benefits. Geothermal heat pumps have remarkable federal incentives and, in many cases, local or statewide, too.
Heating efficiency and long-term liability
Recently, Dandelion Energy pushed the boundaries of heat pump efficiency and output by releasing its Dandelion Geo heat pump. Dandelion claims it to have the “highest heating efficiency of any heat pump on the market, delivering heat at a reportedly low cost. In addition, the [unit] can heat air to a higher temperature than most others using its proprietary technology, making it compatible with ducts found in existing homes” using combustion furnaces (https://bit.ly/4he0HAN).
Forced-air distribution with furnaces is often smaller compared with typical HVAC systems. That means that with a standard heat pump, the duct system often needs to be replaced with a bigger duct system. Dandelion’s site says, “These very low airflow capabilities also result in exceptionally quiet operation. [All these] performance statistics are as measured and verified by AHRI.”
Dandelion put thought into saving dollars on retrofits for oil and propane customers. These folks often pay the largest energy bills in the wintertime. Dandelion’s “electrical design avoids the need for most main panel upgrades, leading to faster, less expensive installations. With these innovative features, [it] is an easy swap for a home’s furnace or boiler, resulting in a streamlined and cost-effective installation.”
The Geo includes proprietary heat exchanger technology and refrigeration circuit design. The two combined can provide up to 63,000 BTU/hour and up to 5.2 COP.
Performance monitoring and advanced diagnostics in real time via home Wi-Fi or ethernet are standard. Reduced maintenance is possible with an integrated flow strainer, corrosion-proof plastic drain pan and condensate overflow sensor.
This is only one example of an energy-efficient heat pump; many others across the HVAC industry could be a great fit for an application. As I said at the start, it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Just as every person has unique needs and preferences, every home or building is different from the next, and every climate has demands that can be met using the right heat pump.
Find what fits, prioritize your customer’s needs and seek out information on what they need to rest well, knowing they’ll be cool in the summer and warm in the winter