Heat pump sizing explained
Before you begin looking at heat pump sizing, you'll need to determine if a heat pump is the best choice for where you live.
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For a heat pump to efficiently cool and heat your home, you'll need to make sure you get the right size. Before you begin looking at heat pump sizing, you'll need to determine if a heat pump is the best choice for where you live.
If you live in a climate that's consistently hot or has winters that drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you should consider a HVAC heating and cooling system.
Whether you choose a heat pump for your home cooling needs or you decide on central heat and air, it's a good idea to receive an installation estimate from a contractor. The contractor can help you decide on the correct heat pump size.
Connect with contractors! Ask about heat pump sizing for your home!
In order to choose the correct heat pump for your home, figure out how many square feet you'll need to cool. Configuring heat pump sizing is done in the exact same way you would determine what size AC unit you need.
Typically, you'll need 25 BTUs per square feet of living space. So for a 1,200 square foot home, you'll need at least 30,000 BTUs to keep your home comfortable year round.
An undersized system won't meet the demands of your home, so it will end up running all the time. A unit that's too large won't dehumidify your home in the winter, so it will end up feeling cold and drafty.
Another factor in heat pump sizing is the number of kilowatts needed. You'll need the BTU number in order to figure out the number of kilowatts. In this case, 30,000 BTU’s will require 10 kWs. This number can be rounded up in order to find the exact size unit.
Heat pump units are sized by the ton and SEER rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit will be.
If calculations prove to be difficult, many online sites offer calculators that will help you determine the correct heat pump sizing for your home. An experienced contractor installs the unit. The cost of installation depends on the cost of the unit and labor in your area.
Heat pumps tend to be slightly more expensive, but they do tend to last a little longer than a traditional HVAC system. For this reason, your warranty might be better than it would be for an air conditioner.
It's usually best to talk to an experienced HVAC contractor who can assist you in configuring the size of heat pump needed for your home. Heat pump sizing can be confusing if you're unsure of any of the calculations. Reply! can help you locate a contractor in your area to answer any questions you might have.
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