A heat pump system is one of the most efficient ways of heating and cooling your home. Now that you’ve finally decided on having one installed, making sure your home is ready for a new system should be your next priority. There are plenty of steps you can take to make sure your new heat pump operates efficiently.
The first step is getting a load calculation to determine your heating and cooling needs. Doing so will help prevent you from purchasing a heat pump system that’s too large or too small for your home. Having a properly sized heat pump not only provides greater comfort in your home, but it’s also more efficient than a system that’s oversized or undersized.
There are plenty of other ways you can prepare your home for a new heat pump:
- Have the contractor size your existing duct system and also check it for leaks. Both an improperly sized and leaky duct system can cost you hundreds of dollars over the long run in energy costs.
- Make sure your return air grille is properly sized. Undersized grilles prevent the heat pump from working at its peak efficiency.
- Have the contractor seal up the indoor heater closet after installing the heat pump. Not doing so allows attic air to intermingle with conditioned air from the unit, reducing system efficiency.
- Make sure curved-blade grilles are installed on all supply air ducts for better distribution of conditioned air.
- Plan for an electric or gas backup as an alternative heat source. The unique operation of heat pumps during the winter makes having a backup useful, as there could be times when your unit requires a standby heat source.
For more helpful tips and information on heat pump systems, contact the professionals at Roth Heating & Cooling. Established in 1976, we proudly serve homeowners throughout the Portland area.
