7 important questions to ask before installing a heat pump

A heat pump is not a product you can just buy off the shelf or add to your online shopping cart. While you may have invested a lot of time in researching all the information you wanted to know, it takes an experienced and certified heat pump installer with quality design calculation software to specify a heat pump correctly. Their in-depth knowledge is what will help you get a complete view on your heat pump investment understand what to expect from it.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Forlssman.

7 questions to ask an installer before installing a heat pump

A sub-standard heat pump installation can not only be dangerous, but it can also be costly. If a heat pump is not installed expertly and optimised for efficiency with long-term use, the costs will skyrocket over time with inefficiency and maintenance issues. Therefore, before deciding to invest in a heat pump we’ve put together a list of questions that are important to ask an installer before making any final decision.

These questions will help you broaden your understanding of heat pumps but through them certified installers should be able to demonstrate their product knowledge, be considerate to your unique circumstances and clearly answer the questions with fact-based reasoning, ensuring that at the end the solution is tailor-made to your needs.

In this article, we will cover: 

• Is a heat pump the right solution for me?
• Which type of heat pump is most suitable for my home and why?
• Is my system a high temperature or a low temperature one?
• Why and how does the cost of installation vary?
• Do I need to have any additional building/works for my heat pump to work efficiently?
• Can I cool my house with a heat pump?
• What capacity do I need and what impact does it have? 

1. Is a heat pump the right solution for me?

There are many advantages in investing in a heat pump, however, it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Given the number of different variables that need to be considered, both from your own lifestyle perspective and your home’s setup, there’s always the chance that a heat pump is not the best solution for your needs and you should be looking at alternatives.

When consulting an installer, it’s important to be transparent about all aspects of your situation: needs, existing setup (if there is one already), finances, expectations in order to receive the best possible advice and if a heat pump is not the right solution, which one is.

2. Which type of heat pump is most suitable for my home and why?

If you’ve already started your research into heat pumps you may have noticed that between manufacturers heat pumps look the same and appear to do the same things aside from the occasional change in the type or model name. This change in the type and name is actually key because while the unit may look the same, its capabilities can differ widely.

You will want to know which type of heat pump is best suitable to your needs, ie. a low-temperature air-to-water heat pump or a ground-source heat pump because depending on the type of heat pump you will need to expect different costs as well as different installation procedures. After that you’ll may also want advice on whether to opt for a heat pump that has an integrated water tank or if it’s better to have a separate domestic hot water unit.

3. Is my system a high temperature or a low temperature one?

Knowing whether your current system (if you already have it planned or it’s already installed in your home) is a high-temperature or low temperature one impacts not only the type of heat pump that your home is suitable for but also the overall efficiency and performance of your heating and hot water. The low or high temperature is dictated by the types of emitters (radiators, underfloor heating, etc.) existing in a home. Traditional radiators usually indicate that higher temperatures are required, while underfloor heating falls squarely in the low-temperature category. Heat pump convectors, also known as fan coil units, are somewhat of a middle ground and fall between both high-temperature and low-temperature heat pumps.

To put it simply, if a high-temperature heat pump is installed while your house currently uses a low-temperature system this would lead to high inefficiencies and unnecessary costs due to the heat pump using more energy than what is needed for your emitters. At the same time, if a low-temperature system is installed while a home is operating with a high-temperature system there will never be enough heat transferred to efficiently warm your home, leading to very cold evenings no matter how high you try to turn up the temperature.

4. Why and how does the cost of installation vary?

Getting to grips with what can make an installation cost vary so much can help you understand how your own installation costs could fluctuate. Installations can vary wildly, depending on the size, the area needed for the heat pump, quality of materials used, any renovation works that will be necessary before installation and any other system upgrades (new boiler or emitters) that need to take place before the equipment can be fitted.

The installer costs can vary too, depending on who you choose. Some installers will be more expensive than others, sometimes due to experience or expertise. Other times, the cost of overheads or even geographical location can change the costs of installation. It is good practice to get a few quotations, not only to get a good idea of what the average cost will be but also to benefit from as much information and advice as possible. As you will remain in contact with your chosen installation company over the years for maintenance reasons, it makes a lot of sense to choose a trustworthy partner.

5. Do I need to have any additional building/works for my heat pump to work efficiently?

It is always good to ask what building works you might need to maximise efficiency. While a rough estimation can be given remotely, a good installer will always conduct a home visit before recommending a specific heat pump system. During the visit they will be looking at your existing equipment, the space you have available and in the case of older homes they will almost certainly require an energy efficiency survey.

Switching your existing windows for double- or triple-glazed windows can significantly improve energy efficiency but insulation will always be the biggest consideration for ensuring maximum efficiency. New homes tend to have more insulation because they are held to high legislative standards when they are built. Older homes are much more likely to benefit greatly from insulation works in their loft and wall insulation before installing a heat pump.

6. Can I cool my house with a heat pump?

To put it simply, yes, but it’s not that straightforward. First of all, when asking this question, make sure that your installer does not start talking about air-conditioners (which are technically considered as air-to-air heat pumps). In regards to the Home Comfort System category heat pumps, it can be part of the unit’s capabilities but it depends on the type of heat pump and might require additional emitters.

Cool air can be emitted through the use of heat pump convectors (also known as fan coil units). A fan coil unit or a heat pump convector can be either wall mounted or concealed and works much in the same way as an air conditioner, except for being connected to the same system as underfloor heating instead of a dedicated outdoor unit. Heat pump convectors can be used for both heating and cooling and will need to be installed in addition to any other emitters you are currently planning or have installed in your home.

7. What capacity do I need and what impact does it have?

Bigger isn’t always better and this is especially true for a heat pump. Knowing what capacity heat pump would be best can mean the difference between a heat pump that provides precisely what you need and a heat pump that is too big running with much lower efficiency and using only a fraction of its potential.

Generally, the biggest influence on required heat pump capacity is square footage, but this can be affected by variations such as outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, heat loss, property age, room type and emitter/radiator size. Once all these factors are established, the heat pump is sized to ensure it will be able to offset the heat demand, regardless of the weather and season.

Electrification8 min read

By Anne Fonda

What Is a heat pump?

While heat pumps are becoming more and more popular, don’t feel bad if you don’t know a lot about them. An electric air source heat pump is typically an outdoor unit that both heats and cools your home. They are alternatives to the standard central air conditioners and furnace systems.

How does a heat pump work? That’s another question we get a lot. Essentially, a heat pump uses heat energy and through heat exchange, transfers it to a cooler environment. 

This means the air source unit takes the heat in the outside air and transfers it into your home in the winter. It then reverses the process and transfers heat inside your home to the outside in the summer. 

For a more detailed explanation, read our blog on demystifying heat pumps.

What are the benefits of a heat pump system?

• They are highly efficient.
• Heat pumps use electricity, meaning they don’t burn any fossil fuels, and therefore reduce your climate footprint.
• A heat pump system can provide long-term cost savings on your energy bills.

How to choose the right heat pump

Choosing the right unit starts with asking some questions and finding the right answers. Some top heat pump considerations are size, energy efficiency, cost, and brand. Keep reading to learn more about each factor.

1. What size heat pump do I need?

Determining the correct sizing for your home involves either the Manual J load calculation or estimating based on the square footage of your home. 

Manual J load calculation

The Manual J load calculation is a series of calculations that HVAC contractors or technicians use to determine how much heating or cooling your home needs. It includes several factors, including:

• The square footage of your home
• Height of the ceilings
• Your home’s insulation
• Your climate and how many days you will need heating and cooling
• How often you use the space (does anyone work from home?)
• How many people use the space
• Heat-producing appliances
• Your preferred temperature
• Number of exterior doors
• Number of windows

The technician enters these numbers into a formula to determine the precise size of the unit you need. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of all in one heat pump heater. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

A calculation that is simpler but not as precise is calculating the size heat pump you need based on your home’s square footage. In general, Every 500 square feet needs a capacity of one ton for air conditioning. 

For example, a -square-foot home would need a 3-ton unit, and a -square-foot home would need a 5-ton unit. But you also need to understand what each ton means in British Thermal Units (BTUs). You might find the chart below helpful in sizing your heat pump. 

Home size (sq. ft.)Heat Pump Size (tons)Heat Pump Size (BTUs)500 sq. ft.1-ton heat pump12,000 BTUs sq. ft.2-ton heat pump24,000 BTUs sq. ft.3-ton heat pump36,000 BTUs sq. ft.4-ton heat pump48,000 BTUs sq. ft.5-ton heat pump60,000 BTUsHome size (sq. ft.)Heat Pump Size (tons)Heat Pump Size (BTUs)500 sq. ft.1-ton heat pump12,000 BTUs sq. ft.2-ton heat pump24,000 BTUs sq. ft.3-ton heat pump36,000 BTUs sq. ft.4-ton heat pump48,000 BTUs sq. ft.5-ton heat pump60,000 BTUs

2. What energy efficiency ratings should I look for?

In general, we would recommend opting for the most energy-efficient heat pump you can afford. Prices generally go up the larger the unit and the higher the energy efficiency. But remember that the more efficient a unit is, the more it can save you on heating and cooling costs in the future.

SEER2

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, and SEER2 is the latest version that took effect in . It measures the cooling efficiency of air conditioning units and heat pumps. The higher the SEER2 rating, the more efficient the unit is. 

HSPF2

HSPF2  stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor and HSPF2 is the latest standard that took effect in . It’s a measurement of how effectively your heat pump can heat your home in the colder months. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is in heating mode.

3. What does a heat pump cost?

There is no simple answer to this question because we don’t know all the factors - the size of your home, the type of unit you need/want, and more. In general, the cost of getting a heat pump installed will be more than a standard system with an outdoor AC unit and an indoor furnace. For Trane products specifically, we provide a price range for some units in our pricing guide.

But because of the increased energy efficiency, you may see a near-immediate decrease in your heating and cooling bills, which will last for the life of your system. Add to that the availability of federal heat pump tax credits (up to $2,000) for Energy-Star-qualified units, and buying a heat pump can become a cost-effective home improvement.

You can also use the Energy Star Rebate Finder, which can help you find state and utility company rebates in your area.

4. What brand should I buy?

Research reputable brands in the heat pump industry. Check reviews from websites such as Consumer Reports and others. Look for brand reputation, reliability, and quality. Trane recently achieved the honor of being ranked as the Most Trusted® HVAC Brand for the 10th year in a row, and we are excited to share this news.

You can explore our heat pumps to see the features and efficiency ratings available.

Consider a dual fuel system

If you live in a colder climate such as Minnesota, you may be wondering if a heat pump vs furnace is right for your home. Heat pumps are very common in the southern states, but heat pumps in cold climates are a viable heating solution when you install a dual-fuel system. 

This is when you install a cold climate heat pump that can operate efficiently in colder temperatures, and connect it to a gas furnace, which kicks in only in extreme temperatures that the heat pump can’t handle. 

You get the energy efficiency of the heat pump and you pay less for natural gas or propane. Plus, you get air conditioning during those summer heat waves that are growing more common in northern climes.

Consider a mini-split heat pump/ductless heat pump system

A mini-split heat pump, also known as a ductless heat pump, is a heating and cooling system designed for rooms or spaces that don’t have ductwork. This could include a garage, an enclosed porch, an attic, or a lake cabin - you get the idea. 

Options include:

• Mini-split single-zone heat pump for one space, such as a garage or enclosed porch
• Multi-split ductless system,s where you can heat and cool up to five spaces without ductwork. This can be a great option for a remote cabin, an older building, or even a historic home where installing ductwork would be cost-prohibitive. 

An experienced HVAC contractor can help you determine the best solution for your home.

Find the perfect HVAC contractor for heat pump installation

Finding the right HVAC contractor for your heat pump installation doesn’t have to be hard. But it will require some research. Here are some quick tips on steps to take to find the right company to do the job:

• Ask friends and family for recommendations. NextDoor and Facebook community groups are also good places to ask for recommendations.
• Google heat pump installation near me and check out the top 5 results, visiting their websites for valuable information.
• Look for industry credentials and certifications, as well as licenses where applicable.
• Read their reviews and customer testimonials, and look for how responsive they are to negative feedback, if any.
• Confirm that they offer HVAC maintenance and repair services as well as installation.
• Choose 2-3 HVAC contractors to visit your home and discuss the type of heat pump system they recommend for your needs, and the sizing that will offer the best comfort and efficiency.
• Discuss the installation process and timeline with each contractor.
• Discuss project cost and any financing options.
• Choose the company you want to work with.

Be sure to keep your receipts for the work you have done and the certificates for the equipment you have installed so that you can claim your tax credits when you file your taxes. Enjoy the comfort of a new heat pump system and watch your utility bills go down.

Are you ready to upgrade your heating and cooling system? From a standard heat pump system to a dual fuel system to a mini-split system, your local Trane Comfort Specialist can help you make the right choice for your home and your family. Reach out today to find the perfect heating and cooling solution for your home. 

Anne Fonda, Content Writer

LinkedIn

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Ducted Outdoor

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