Table of Contents:
- The Truth About Modern Heat Pumps No One is Telling You
- Recommended Heat Pumps
- Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat (H2i®) Systems
- Mitsubishi MSZ-FS Deluxe Wall-Mounted Series
- Mitsubishi MXZ Multi-Zone Systems
- Mitsubishi SVZ Ducted Air Handler Systems
- Is My Home a Good Candidate for a Heat Pump?
- What Impacts Heat Pump Performance the Most?
- How Much Maintenance Does a Heat Pump Require?
- Contact Evergreen Heating & Cooling Today for Heat Pump Recommendations & Installation!
The Truth About Modern Heat Pumps No One is Telling You
There are many articles and stories covering the topic of modern heat pumps. Some make extravagant claims on how much you can actually save by using one of these new heat pumps however, many of these sources leave out critical information.
One of the most critical pieces of information you will need before deciding if a modern heat pump upgrade is for you is based on your geographical location.
For the purpose of this article and our customers, we will only be discussing the context of savings for New England homes in which our HVAC systems are heating many more hours annually than cooling. The old concept of heat pumps in New England is that they do not provide sufficient heating for residential properties, this is no longer the case. Due to the increased efficiencies and capabilities of modern heat pumps, these devices are now able to get the job done effectively. The unexpected downside of the actual savings is another story. Although a modern heat pump is efficient and versatile, we don't typically see tremendous savings in cost for heating due to the high electricity rates. We do, however, reduce your overall direct consumption of fossil fuels and a lowering of your home's carbon footprint.
On the other hand, the cost to cool your home does in fact reduce substantially and our homes are much more comfortable with the increased reduction of humidity levels.
You need to understand all of the transitional costs involved in a project like this to make a properly informed decision.
Recommended Heat Pumps
Evergreen Heating & Cooling provides installations and maintenance for many different types of high-efficiency heat pump systems. Mitsubishi Electric has a strong track record with regard to performance, cutting-edge cold climate technology, and reliability in homes in New England — this is why we often recommend the use of these products.
Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat (H2i®) Systems
Mitsubishi's Hyper-Heat heating technology has been designed with cold climates like Connecticut in mind. These heat pump systems will still deliver reliable heating even when it is colder than zero degrees outside; therefore, if you are a homeowner looking for alternative ways to heat your home and save money at the same time, this is an excellent choice for your heating requirements.
Mitsubishi MSZ-FS Deluxe Wall-Mounted Series
The MSZ-FS series is one of the best-selling residential ductless options available from Mitsubishi. The MSZ-FS models are very efficient, use advanced filtering processes, and are extremely quiet. They can be used for heating individual rooms, home additions, finished basements, and anywhere else that it would be impractical to run ductwork.
Mitsubishi MXZ Multi-Zone Systems
Homeowners who desire total comfort throughout their entire home can consider using one of Mitsubishi's MXZ multi-zone systems. With MXZ systems, you can connect multiple indoor evaporator units with individual temperature control to one outdoor condensing unit (heat pump) while still achieving high energy efficiency.
Mitsubishi SVZ Ducted Air Handler Systems
Modern heat pumps are much more flexible than previous heating systems as well, so this is another reason why we receive many calls from homeowners who want to know if a heat pump will work in their home. If you fall into any of these categories, a heat pump may be an ideal solution for you:
- You have outdated/failing heating & cooling systems.
- You want to reduce your use of direct fossil fuels.
- You want combined heating & cooling through one system.
- You have trouble keeping specific areas of the house comfortable.
- You are remodeling, adding an addition, or making energy-efficient upgrades.
In fact, heat pump systems can typically be used to replace traditional heating and cooling systems in many cases, even in older New England homes. The important thing to remember is that a properly designed heat pump system will be sized and installed according to your home's individual heating and cooling needs.
Is My Home a Good Candidate for a Heat Pump?
For those homeowners who do not want visible wall-mounted indoor units, Mitsubishi's SVZ ducted systems offer many advantages of the heat pump technology combined with ducted systems. The SVZ systems could be a good solution for homeowners looking to upgrade their existing forced-air heating systems to high-efficiency heat pump systems.
What Impacts Heat Pump Performance the Most?
Although modern heat pumps are more flexible and capable of performing well than in the past, they are still subject to a variety of factors and other conditions that will impact their performance and your savings with them.
Proper System Sizing
An improperly sized heat pump (too small or too large) will have difficulty meeting extreme temperatures; insufficiently-sized systems may cycle too often or not be able to provide heat efficiently. Accurately estimating a load is critical for a properly functioning heat pump system. Studies of actual heat pump installations support the conclusion that improperly-sized systems can have a significant effect on their operating efficiency as well as user comfort levels.
Outdoor Temperatures
Regardless of the type of heat pump you have, the efficiency of your heat pump will decrease as the outside temperature decreases. Modern "cold-climate" heat pumps are able to operate efficiently (though less efficiently than they do when the outside temperature is above freezing) at temperatures below freezing. The newest models of "cold-climate" heat pumps maintain their heating capacity at much greater temperatures than previous models, and would therefore be a good choice for homes located in areas such as New England that experience severe winters.
Home Insulation and Air Sealing
A home that is well-insulated and has minimal air leaks will enable the heat pump to operate at maximum efficiency. If your home has been built with inadequate insulation, you can expect any heating system you install to require additional effort to provide heating and consume more energy.
Ductwork and Air Distribution
The efficiency and comfort of ducted systems can be negatively impacted by poor duct workmanship or ductless systems if they are not installed at proper locations to ensure uniform heating/cooling of the entire house.
How Much Maintenance Does a Heat Pump Require?
One of the primary advantages of using a heat pump as your heat source is that they require significantly less maintenance than many conventional heating sources. While regular maintenance is essential for heat pumps to continue operating properly, there is no need to perform frequency maintenance on heat pumps.
As a homeowner, you should:
- Replace or clean the filter regularly
- Keep outdoor units clear of debris, leaves and snow
- Watch for abnormal behaviors or sounds
- Have the unit serviced by a professional each year
Routine service maintains optimal performance, prolongs equipment life and identifies minor problems early on before they can lead to significant repair expenses. All HVAC systems, including heat pumps, work optimally when they are serviced regularly. Regularly scheduled professionals provide thorough inspections and adjustments.
Why Invest in a Second Source of Home Heat?
Aside from being a safeguard in the instance that your primary source of heat fails, a secondary source can also be useful to take the stress off your primary heating system or simply to save money with energy prices being so high. Read our blog here as we discuss some factors to consider when assessing which secondary source of heat is right for you!
Contact Evergreen Heating & Cooling Today for Heat Pump Recommendations & Installation!
If you’re trying to have your Heat Pump updated, or one installed on a new construction job site, then you should reach out to Evergreen Heating & Cooling. We have been in business for over 25 years, and with all of that time, we’ve been able to master our craft. Our team is prepared to help you from beginning of a job to the end and we’ll always keep you informed at every step of the way. Our team members are prepared to help you find a solution that works for a price that you’re comfortable with. We can handle any of your HVAC maintenance needs, and our years of experience will ensure that we got the job done right. If you’re in need of HVAC services in Connecticut, then give us a call. We know you’ll be happy with our work. Contact us today!
