Heat Pump Systems: 5 Factors You Need To Know

Are you looking to buy a new heat pump? You’re not alone. Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are making the switch today, as heat pumps and mini-splits are more efficient than the traditional ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems. These systems are also versatile, offering both cooling and heating.

At Atlantic Standard HVAC, we are dedicated to helping Canadians make the best decision for their heating needs. We aim to help you get a heat pump that will serve you for years to come.
Here are five factors you need to know to pick an efficient mini-split system for your home.

1. Heat Pump Cost

Installing or replacing your heat pump can range from $1,875 to $11,875, depending on the heat pump system. When choosing heat pumps, a good rule of thumb is that the more upfront costs you invest, the less you will pay in operation costs.

Highly efficient heat pumps have higher upfront costs compared to less efficient furnace and air conditioning systems but help you save energy costs in the long run. High-end heat pump systems are also durable, which increases your ROI (return on investment).

Don’t believe us? According to the “Turn Back The Tide” climate change awareness campaign by the Newfoundland & Labrador Government, “Heat pumps designed for Newfoundland and Labrador’s climate can deliver over 200% more heat than an equivalent baseboard heating system.”

Read more here – https://www.turnbackthetide.ca/taking-action/households/home-heating/heat-pumps.shtml.

Our heat pump systems are all ENERGY STAR® Certified.

2. The Type of Heat Pump System You Want

There are four main categories of heat pump systems. That includes:

• Ductless Air-Source Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps are also available for homes without ducts. These ductless heat pumps are popularly known as mini-split heat pumps and work by using their heat exchanger coils to transfer warm air from one place to another.

A mini-split heat pump features an outdoor unit (condenser/compressor) and an indoor air-handling system. These heating and cooling systems transfer heat through a condensation and evaporation cycle, with the refrigerant substance cycling through the system through a compressor pump.

The refrigerant absorbs heat during the evaporation process and releases it during condensing. These heating systems maintain your desired temperature, set by the thermostat during the movement of the coils.

Ask us about our Mysa Smart Thermostats – FREE when you purchase a mini-split system through us. Learn more here:

• Ducted Air-Source Heat Pumps

Three types of heat pump systems, connected by ducts, exist geothermal, water source, and air-to-air heat pumps. These heat pumps transfer heat from the water, air, or the ground outside the house and concentrate it for indoor use.

Air source heat pumps are a popular type in Newfoundland and Labrador, all over Canada, due to their energy efficiency. These systems transfer heat between the outside air and your house and reduce your heating costs by 50%.

These energy-efficient systems can dry up air better than central air conditioners, reducing your energy consumption and offering better cooling comfort in the summer. Areas that experience subfreezing temperatures for extended periods can also use today’s advanced air-source heat pump systems.

• Geothermal Heat Pumps

Also known as a ground/water source heat pump, these heat pumps work by moving heat between the ground or a nearby water source to your house. Installing these efficient heating systems cost more than standard central air conditioners, but the operating costs are relatively low.

Ground source heat pumps result in actual energy savings by using the relatively constant temperatures of ground and water. They have a high energy efficiency ratio, reducing your heating costs by 30-60% and controlling humidity.

This energy-efficient air conditioner is dependable and can fit in many homes. They’re great cold climate heat pumps and have high customer satisfaction with these systems. However, whether you can use a geothermal heat pump (ground source heat pump) depends on the size of your home, the landscape, and the subsoil.

• Absorption Heat Pumps

Absorption (gas-fired) heat pumps are a fairly new air conditioning system and work best in residential properties. They use thermal energy to generate heat and can be powered by various heat sources like steam from solar-heated water, geothermally heated water, or the combustion of natural gas.

Absorption heat pumps differ from compression heat pumps as they aren’t driven mechanically. These heat pumps are pretty complex and need larger units.

3. Need for a Dual-Fuel System

Heat pumps work best in freezing temperatures, but most feature electric heat strips that supplement heat below freezing temperatures. People who live in areas with high electric costs should consider investing in a dual-fuel system.

A dual-fuel system means the heat pump is supplemented with a propane or natural gas furnace instead of electric heat strips. The furnace will automatically start for your heat pump to work efficiently in near-freezing temperatures. This hybrid heating system offers the greatest efficiency in temperatures below and above freezing.

4. Control

Your heat pump installation technician will install a thermostat to control your home’s temperature. You can choose a standard; Wi-Fi enabled or a programmable thermostat.

A standard thermostat has a simple and familiar design, giving you heating and cooling options, auxiliary heat setting, and auto fan control. Programmable thermostats can automatically adjust your home’s temperature at certain hours during the day to save energy.

Wi-Fi thermostats are similar to standard and programmable thermostats, with the advantage of controlling temperatures off-site using a computer or smartphone. Some Wi-Fi thermostats also offer energy-usage analytics and more valuable reports to help you monitor your energy consumption. Like our Mysa smart thermostats when you purchase a new heat pump through us! Learn more here: https://getmysa.com/pages/about/ca.

5. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) Ratio

HSPF ratio measures the effectiveness of your air-source heat pump. The rating is based on the heat output ratio (measured in BTUs) compared to the electricity consumed. The ratio is determined using consumption and performance data collected during the whole heating season.

The HSPF ratio represents the heat generated and energy consumed, despite occasional warm front or cold snap passing through the area. That’s why homeowners need to consider the HSPF ratio when buying a heat pump, impacting the equipment’s performance and operating costs.

When buying a heat pump, you should choose a system with an HSPF ratio of eight or less. It would help to think about how its heating and cooling system works with a new or existing furnace to optimize energy efficiency and save money.

Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Heating System?

While most heat pumps will offer a heating and cooling mode to keep you comfortable, only the right model will meet your heating needs in Newfoundland and Labrador’s climate. At Atlantic Standard HVAC, we’ll help you care for your heating and cooling needs with a powerful system from brands that Canadians trust the most. Call us at 1 (709) 700-4229 to request a free quote today.