How to choose Floor Heating Heat Pumps

The cooling efficiency of a geothermal heat pump is rated by EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and its heating efficiency is rated by COP (Coefficient of Performance). Depending on the type, the federal EER minimum is 17.1 to 21.1 and the COP minimum is 3.1 to 4.1.

Generally, the higher the rating, the higher the cost of the system. You can spend a few thousand dollars more for a more efficient heat pump. However, depending on where you live, you can save $115 or more on your annual utility bill by replacing your old heating and cooling system with an Energy Star-rated product.

Sizing:
Size also matters. If the heat pump is undersized or oversized, it will not heat or cool effectively and will increase your energy bills. Your home may feel uncomfortable. A unit that is too large increases the upfront cost and will cycle on and off too many times, shortening its useful life.

Work with heating and cooling professionals who should use the American Air Conditioning Contractors (ACCA) Handbook J calculations to determine the proper size. The calculation takes into account your home's foundation, wall thickness, insulation value, windows, air filtration, and more.

Tax credits and rebates:
If you installed an ENERGY STAR certified geothermal heat pump before December 31, 2016, you were eligible for a 30% federal tax credit on purchases. Check the IRS and DOE websites for more details.

Likewise, some states and utilities offer credits and rebates for geothermal systems, while smaller federal credits and utility rebates are available for other heat pumps. Visit the website of the federally funded NC Clean Energy Technology Center for a list of available incentives by state.

Other notes:
Don't buy a new heat pump until you've made the rest of your home as energy efficient as possible, because then you can buy a smaller, less expensive system.

Improve heat pump efficiency:
Unless the rest of your home is also efficient, the heat pump won't work as well as provide the annual energy savings it should. Therefore, before purchasing a heat pump, consider:

1. Add insulation to your attics and walls.
2. Add weather stripping around doors and caulk around windows.
3. Properly seal the plumbing system in your home.
4. Properly isolate pipes in confined spaces and attics.
5. Install and set programmable thermostats to automatically lower temperatures

Nighttime temps in cooler months, increase temps in warmer months, and adjust the temps while you're away. A programmable thermostat can save you 10% annually on your energy bills.

Main features:
Noise output:
Fans and compressors can be noisy, so choose an air source heat pump with a sound level of 7.6 bels or less. Also, place the outdoor unit away from windows and consider placing it on a sound-absorbing base. Also, protect the outdoor unit from strong winds, which can cause defrost issues. Placing shrubs or fences upwind of the coil can help.

Demand defrost control:
Frost on heat pump outdoor units can affect energy efficiency and compromise indoor comfort. Therefore, choose a model with on-demand defrost control. This feature will minimize defrost cycles, making your system more energy efficient and cost effective.

Reverse cycle chiller:
A heat pump with a reverse cycle cooler allows you to pair it with a variety of heating and cooling distribution systems, and it can help make your home more comfortable. The technology can also lower your winter electricity bill, making it especially economical in an all-electric home.