Heat pumps are increasingly popular heating systems because of the different advantages they offer. Today, energy savings and environmental issues are clearly a factor when choosing an efficient heating system. Because it is impossible to ignore your comfort at home despite the energy expenditure that an efficient device can entail, the challenge is to choose a balanced system that represents a good compromise between energy and comfort, like heat pumps. Here’s what you need to know about these devices and what you’d probably be right to buy.
What is the use of a heat pump?
The heat pump is a machine that can be used as a full-fledged heating system. Its operating principle is based on heat transfer: it can perfectly replace an air conditioner or a conventional heating system by transferring ambient heat from one environment to another. The heat pump can release fresh air inside the home when it is in defrosting mode.
It should be noted that some models of heat pumps are also used for the supply of hot water consumption. However, the heat pump shows its limits during cold seasons. The winters characteristic of Montreal, Quebec, require more elaborate machines for ideal temperature regulation. Your heat pump can therefore be used when the cold is not too cold and to save energy, but it is recommended to couple the unit with a parallel heating system that will be more suitable for the coldest seasons.
What is the most common type of heat pump?
The air bibloc model is now widely used. The air-to-air bibloc heat pump is used in many homes that have hot air heating. This category of heat pump is much more successful than the air-water bibloc model,the latter being designed to be associated with a hot water heating system.
What is a low temperature heat pump?
The low temperature heat pump is designed to heat the interior of your home even with low outside temperatures. This feature makes the device ideal for regions where cold weather reigns, just like Quebec. However, the low-temperature heat pump can also be used as an air conditioner to cool your home when needed.
What is the advantage of a low temperature heat pump?
Ordinary heat pumps cannot be of real use for heating your home when outside temperatures drop too much. The machine works on the principle of heat transfer. This is where low-temperature heat pumps stand out: they continue to play their part, so you don’t have to resort to an alternative heating system.
What do I need to know before buying a heat pump?
You should be aware that some machines can be relatively noisy during their operation. It is important to learn about the law in your municipality, about noise and where to install the device. If you want to associate your heat pump with a boiler know that the maintenance costs of the entire heating system of the home will be higher than for a conventional heating system.
Heat pumps have a lifespan of up to 15 years: rigorous maintenance of the machine will be a determining factor to allow you to enjoy it for a long time.
What are the costs of installing an air heat pump?
The installation of a heat pump will be all the more expensive as there will be a lot of work to be done. Sometimes you have to change the network of domestic ducts, or adjust the power of the electrical array of the house in order to be able to use the heat pump. The type of appliance, as well as whether or not there is a heating system in the house, are also points that can influence installation loads. In any case, regardless of its cost of purchase and installation, the heat pump represents a good energy saving for your heating.
How do I determine the optimal size of my heat pump?
The type of construction, the area, the volume of the house or the quality of the thermal insulation are to be taken into account to determine the heating needs and to choose the most sized. The larger the sizing, the better the performance of the machine during the winter in particular.
How do you maintain your heat pump?
An annual cleaning is required to keep your device in optimal shape. Cleaning the coil and changing the machine filter are operations that will ensure good performance over time.
Does the heat pump use less energy than other heaters?
The heat pump moves heat from the outside to the inside. It represents a saving of about 30% on the heating bill. It is estimated that for every watt consumed, the machine produces 3, which represents a significant reduction compared to other heating systems.
Warning!
If it is recognized for its performance and relative savings, it should be kept in mind that the heat pump represents a cost to acquisition and requires additional maintenance costs. Before purchasing it, you need to determine the benefits that will be derived from it taking into account your specific needs, the size of the house, or the climate of the area. The fact that the heat pump requires extra heating is also to be considered.
