Home Energy Report

PRIORITY #5:

If, in the future, you need to replace your heat pump, pick a new one with an ENERGY STAR label.

When replacing your heat pump, choose an ENERGY STAR-labeled model. ENERGY STAR-labeled air source heat pumps must exceed the federal energy efficiency standards by at least 10%.

Note: Our calculations bill savings, typical upgrade costs, and cost-effectiveness are for a model with the lowest efficiency that qualifies for the ENERGY STAR label 14 SEER for cooling and 8.2 HSPF for heating. Higher efficiency models are available, which can provide additional bill savings.

BENEFITS:

ENERGY STAR® heat pumps may operate more quietly, be more visually appealing, have better temperature and/or moisture control, and be easier to maintain than minimum efficiency heat pumps.

TIPS:

• Every new heat pump is labeled with its heating and cooling efficiency. The cooling efficiency is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio SEER, and the heating efficiency is the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor HSPF. Use these ratings to compare different models. The higher the SEER and HSPF, the more efficient the unit. For maximum efficiency, make sure the efficiency ratings for the indoor and outdoor coils match.
• Don’t buy an oversized unit. A unit that’s too big for your needs will waste energy, have less ability to control humidity, and have a shorter life due to excessive on-off cycling. Ask your contractor for an exact heat-gain calculation following ACCA Manual J procedures to determine the proper size unit for your house. Make sure the contractor sizes the unit based on the latent cooling load as well as the sensible cooling load. Do not rely on rule-of-thumb estimates as they tend to be inaccurate. If you’ve improved your home’s efficiency since the last time you purchased a heat pump, you may be able to purchase a smaller unit.
• Consider buying a two-speed heat pump, which can run very efficiently at its lower speedduring most of the season, while using its higher speed only during the hottest or coldest hours.
• Locate the outside unit properly. Install it in a cool, shaded spot about two feet from the north or east side of your home. Avoid direct sunlight, which makes the unit work harder, and keep the unit away from other objects. Don’t enclose the unit with a deck or shrubbery – it needs room to breathe.
• Don’t buy a heat pump as a stand-alone heating system if you live in a cold climate. Heat pumps operate very inefficiently at sub-freezing temperatures.
• If your duct system has leaks or disconnected portions, you will not reap the full energy savings you could get from a high efficiency heat pump. Consider having your contractor check the entire length of your ductwork for leaks and seal any leaks with mastic-type sealant, not duct tape. It’s now possible for a contractor to perform verified duct sealing by using a special fan to test duct system leakage before and after sealing. Also have the contractor check for and repair disconnected ducts – a common problem. Insulate any ducts in unheated spaces to at least R-6.
• If you don’t already have one, consider purchasing a programmable thermostat and having your contractor install it along with your new heat pump.

ABOUT THE ESTIMATED COST:

Because this recommendation involves choosing a more efficient product when replacing an existing one, the estimated cost shown and used in the analysis is the additional cost of the efficient unit compared to that of a standard-efficiency new unit. It is not the total cost of the new product. You will pay more out of pocket than the amount we show for the better device, but only a portion of that will be the “added cost” compared to going with a less efficient option.

This upgrade will save approximately 849 pounds of carbon dioxide per year (not including other greenhouse-gases which may also be reduced).