Residential Heat Pump: Choosing a Suitable Appliance for HVAC Applications

2 May 2016
 Categories: , Blog


If you want to improve heating and cooling aspects in your home, you should think about installing a heat pump for your HVAC system. This type of climate control appliance is designed to absorb heat energy from one space and release it into another. You can choose a product for simple heating purposes or select a reversible heat pump alternative. The latter can absorb heat from the external environment and release it into your interior space or from your home to the outdoors. Therefore, it is an energy-efficient choice that is useful in both heating and cooling applications. If you decide to acquire the heat pump, consider these simple factors before selecting the ideal home appliance.

Heat Sources

You should inquire about the source of the heat for your potential appliance before purchase. This will determine the energy performance of the heat pump and its suitability for your region. The simplest appliance design which is ideal for residential applications is the air-source heat pump. Basically, this will draw heat from the outdoor air and disperse it into your home. This type of model is easy to install and has good reversible options for cooling during hot weather. Ground-source pumps draw heat from the earth; the energy may be geothermal or stored solar energy. The design is favourable because the ground temperature remains constant, particularly when compared to air.

Ductless and Ducted Systems

The heat pump system can be ducted or ductless, depending on your preference, budget and home construction. The ducted option is more favourable if you already have a ductwork network in your building. It is also a viable structure for a home that is still under construction. This design will allow for efficient distribution or absorption of heat from all your interior spaces. However, it is considerably expensive to install, particularly in an established house. The ductless system is cheaper to setup because it does not require significant modification of the house for ductwork placement. Therefore, it is an ideal choice for older homes where only minimal construction is desired.

Advanced Features

You should consider the advanced features incorporated into a heat pump before purchase. These will improve the efficiency and general performance of the appliance after installation. You should choose a pump with zone control features; this will allow different rooms to operate at varying temperatures. Some high-quality appliances have a de-superheater which utilises the heat obtained during cooling for residential water heating. Other advantageous advanced features include variable-speed fans, back-up burners and programmable temperature controls.

For more information on heat pump installation, talk to a professional.


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