How to choose the heat pump ratings for getting the right device for your home?
Many homeowners do not really know the reason why they must check the heat pump ratings
prior to choosing any of the available alternatives. If you also belong
to this category of consumers, it is essential to comprehend that the heat pump ratings
can actually help you to make a documented choice with regard to the
unit that you want to buy. In order to help you with this thing, the
following paragraphs are ready to deliver some very important details
that relate to the available ratings, factors that you must take into
account before selecting a specific rating and how you should actually
choose the most appropriate heat pump rating for your family and
household.
Available Heat Pump Ratings
First
of all, you must know that these ratings actually refer to the
efficiency and performance of the heat pumps. There are different
methods that the specialists usually use to rate the efficiency and
performance of such a pump. The most important ratings are as it
follows:
- ESSR, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures the efficiency of seasonal cooling. In the U.S., the SEER must be of minimum 13. If you are searching for a truly efficient system, you should look for those that come with SEERs between 14 and 20.
- HSPF, which means Heating Season Performance Factor, measures the overall heating that a heat pump provides. The HSPF, which ranges between 5 and 7, is acceptable. The best products must deliver a HSPF that ranges from 8 to 10.
- EER, also called as Energy Efficiency Ratio, represents a measure for cooling efficiency. There is no given range for EER especially because it varies greatly based on the heat pump category.
- COP that stands for Coefficient of Performance represents the ratio of the heat output to energy input.
Heat Pump Ratings: What Factors You Should Consider
The
most important factor that you should take into account before choosing
a heat pump mainly relates to the climate. The experts explain that in
warmer climates, the most important rating is SEER. In colder climates,
the homeowners should always check HSPF. In order to purchase a truly
efficient heat pump, you should get a device of minimum 7.7 HSPF.
Besides considering the heat pump ratings,
you should also get a device that has demand-defrost controls; locate
the outdoor components, which usually make noise, away from windows;
protect the outdoor components from high winds that can affect the
efficiency and functionality of such a unit.
Choosing the Most Appropriate Heat Pump
It
is essential to know that every single heat pump must come along with
an Energy Guide, which delivers details with regard to the cooling and
heating performance and efficiency ratings. In most cases, the Energy
Guide gives you the opportunity to compare the heat pump that you intend
to buy with other available models. As you already know, the units that
come along with the highest heat pump ratings ensure the best
possible performance and efficiency. However, in order to buy the most
appropriate unit for your home, you have to make sure that you perfectly
correlate your household and family needs, including the area where you
live, with the specifications of the heat pump that you intend to get.