The colder months can get quite punishing, especially when you are not adequately prepared. As you winter-proof your home and ensure that insulation is in tip-top shape, there is one mistake you cannot afford to make. You can’t forget to make sure your HVAC system is in its best condition to run conveniently for the three or so months uninterrupted.

Well, the heat pump is a common heating option for many households in America and beyond. However, some opt for less common alternatives like biomass boilers, solar panels, and radiators. As you can tell from the name, it is simply an electrical device designed to keep your home warm by pumping heat into the various rooms in your home. The unit helps make your home comfortable and habitable during the cold season. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or you are renovating your current home, you can never play games with your comfort, especially when winter is around the corner.

Upon realizing that you need one for your home or office premises, here are some things to keep in mind when buying a heat pump.

1. Type of Heat Pump

There are various types of heat pumps on the market. In many households, however, the most common options include air source, geothermal, and split-ductless systems. As noted in the Goodman Heat Pump Selection guide, split systems are the most popular versions in the US. “Packaged” systems, which have just one unit instead of an outdoor and indoor unit, are also common. Nonetheless, an experienced HVAC professional can help you determine which type will best work for your home.

2. Sizing

When approaching the market for a new heat pump, you definitely have to have the right size for your needs in mind. Choosing the right heat pump size will help you avoid a great deal of frustration relating to energy efficiency, temperature balance, humidity control, and maintenance costs, just to mention a few. The last thing you want is a heat pump that provides inadequate heating in your home. You also don’t want your home to feel like a furnace. To avoid unnecessary repair and maintenance costs, never pick a heat pump that is too small or too big for the space that needs heating. The right heating pump size will, therefore, be determined by factors like your living space size, home insulation, overall climate in your location, and so forth.

3. Fuel System

We all know that electricity is a utility we cannot do without, but it can cost you an arm in your bills when badly handled. This factor will be best if you live in areas with high electric costs. That makes it sensible to pick a dual-fuel system when shopping for a heat pump. It runs on alternative energy sources like natural gas or propane in addition to electricity. A dual system has the most efficiency for temperatures that are above and below freezing, so which is all the more reason climate is an important factor.

4. Energy Efficiency

Heating and cooling are among the biggest consumers of energy in households and business premises. When going for a heat pump, it is best to consider picking one with a high energy efficiency rating. Well, energy-efficient models tend to cost a few dollars or hundreds more but the investment pays you back over time. Energy-rated models are also created with quality and durability in mind, meaning that it will be a while before you go back to the market for a new heat pump or call an HVAC expert for repair. Your budget could dictate your choice in a way, but it is best to get something reputable from the word go. Typically, high-end machines last longer, and the investment is worth the risk. It is advisable to evaluate your upfront investment versus the anticipated cost savings over time.

When it comes to efficiency, size, and capacity, it is important to note that different brands and models may use different ISU. This largely depends on the part of the globe where the manufacturer is located and their immediate market. The most common standard units you could come across include:

– SEER rating – (the unit’s efficiency at 95 degrees F)
– BTU rating – (denotes heating/cooling speed)
– AFUE rating – (depicts the efficiency of fuel utilization)

Heat pumps make one of the most important appliances in our homes. However, buying one can be an uphill task, especially if you are not well informed on what to look for. The above are just a few things to bear in mind when buying one for your home or office.