What Type of Heat Pump is best for my Home?

02 Dec What Type of Heat Pump is best for my Home?

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

As the temperatures drop through the later fall season and head into winter, some homeowners in the Tri-Cities area may seek a heating alternative for their homes. With technological advancements through the last 10-20 years, new heat pumps can be at least 20 percent more efficient than your current unit.

Heat pumps can differ in terms of efficiency measured in two ways: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), which measures heating, and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which measures cooling. New heat pumps minimum ratings are HSPF 8.2 and SEER 14. Also, Energy Star-rated heat pumps are significantly more efficient than the standard unit. Beyond the basic information, choosing the best heat pump for your home’s needs can be challenging. Therefore, Kingsport’s experienced HVAC company, Thompson Electrical Service, shares a few heat pump solutions where an air-source variety might be best to heat your home this winter.

Ducted Heat Pump

Homes with a forced-air furnace are prime candidates for a centralized air-source heat pump. An outdoor compressor that looks like an AC unit connects to your home’s current duct system. Similar to a furnace, you control the temperature through one central thermostat. According to our Johnson City heat pump pros, a ducted heat pump can be a solid choice, as long as your ductwork heats and cools every room evenly. Unfortunately, most home designs prevent heating or cooling evenly due to long supply runs or no air return registers. Additionally, faulty ductwork can cause any system to fail at heating or cooling your home correctly.  

Mini-split Heat Pump

Homes with ductwork in disrepair, poorly designed, or non-existent may fair best with a mini-split heat pump. Tubes for the mini-split heat pump connect to an outside compressor to carry refrigerant to the air handlers mounted high to distribute the air. Each handler gets regulated using a thermostat, which allows zone control. Our Bristol heat pump installers explain that mini-split heat pumps and your home’s heating and cooling system can combine efforts to target rooms that stay colder.

Geothermal Heat Pump

Several feet down into the earth’s surface, the temperature stays the same all year, between 45 and 75 degrees. The heat gets transferred into a buried pipe loop located 10 feet underground. The pipes then carry water to the compressor, where a refrigerant transfers heat to or from your ducts. While geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient systems, homeowners should note that geothermal heat pumps can be pricy due to the initial pipe installation costs.

Heat Pumps in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

Choosing the best heat pump for your home should warrant professional information and guidance. First, contact a qualified energy auditor who can conduct a complete investigation, including checking your ductwork for leaks. Then, contact our Johnson City HVAC installers at Thompson Electrical Service for assistance in choosing the best heating and cooling solution for your home. Feel free to call us at (423) 343-5726 or contact us online with questions or schedule your initial consultation.