When you’re spending time and resources to upgrade your heat pump system, you certainly want the best value for your investment. To ensure the best heat pump installation, remember that the value of home comfort and energy efficiency is measured in years – a real return on investment – not on a cheap sticker price to save a few dollars.
Energy evaluation
Your HVAC professional should perform an energy audit of your home prior to heat pump installation. Sealing air leaks and increasing insulation where needed lowers your home’s cooling and heating loads, which reduces the strain on your new heat pump, and may also reduce the size of system you need, which, in turn, lowers the initial investment.
- A thorough energy audit should include a blower door test to measure air filtration and identify where air is leaking into the home.
- Infrared scanning shows you where insulation is lacking or improperly installed.
Installation design
Several calculations are required for optimal heat pump installation. Your HVAC pro should use Manuals J, S and D, which were developed and published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). The methodologies and principles within the manuals will help determine your home’s heating and cooling loads, size the new heat pump, and design a new or modified duct system.
- Manual J: Manual J calculations use many factors to determine heating and cooling loads, including cubic footage, number of floors, number and size of windows, sun orientation, occupant habits for energy consumption and temperature preferences, local climate and much more.
- Manual S: The size of the new heat pump system may be selected accurately with Manual J calculations.
- Manual D: Your HVAC pro should install ducts in conditioned spaces (e.g. drop ceilings and raised floors). Use mastic sealant and metal tape to seal ducts. Install one air-return grille for each air-supply register (transfer grilles and jumper ducts may also be used). Measure air volume to ensure balanced air supply and air return through the living spaces. If any ducts are installed in unconditioned spaces, those ducts must be insulated.
For more information about heat pump installation, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning today. We provide superior HVAC services to homeowners of Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pump installation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area