Look for the Energy Star. This shows you how energy efficient the heat pump is.
With the variety of heat pumps available on the market today, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of heating technology. When buying a heat pump there are a few things that you need to consider to find the right unit for your home or office.
Look for the Energy Star
This shows you how energy efficient the heat pump is. Choosing an efficient heat pump will work in your favour by saving on running costs compared with a model of heat pump that doesn’t qualify or has fewer stars.
Get the right size heat pump
Getting the right size heat pump for your needs is necessary to make sure you’re heating your home as efficiently and effectively as possible. If the heat pump is too big, it will heat the room up too quickly and cycle on and off to maintain the target temperature. This reduces the life expectancy of the unit.
If the heat pump is too small, the unit will be constantly running trying to reach target temperature. This can make for higher power bills and can cause the unit to defrost regularly as well.
Getting advice from our friendly heat pump installers will help you find the ideal unit for the space you are trying to heat. Choosing the wrong size heat pump may result in not heating the space efficiently and costing you more.
Find the right Installer
When looking for an installer to help you sort out your heat pump needs ask them about whether they follow the EECA’s Good Practice Guide to Heat Pump Installation. This will help ensure that your heat pump is installed correctly which in turn will help with performance of the unit. The guide is for practiced installers of heat pumps. It gives the procedures to follow for the system and installation for both new and existing houses.
If you are on a strict budget, you may be able to get help with the cost installing your heat pump. Some local councils offer help by including the cost as part of your rates. You can find a list of councils here on the EnergyWise website.
If you have a mortgage, some banks are also offering help by being able to add the cost to your existing mortgage. Please keep in mind this would need to be paid back with interest over the term of your mortgage. You will find a list of Banks who offer this on the Energywise website –
These initiatives do not usually cover multi-split and ducted heat pump systems.
Also don’t forget that if you have a SuperGold card, Potter Electrical can offer you a discount on the installation.
Get the right type of heat pump
Take into account where you live. Some heat pumps do not like performing in cold temperatures. If you get down into the negatives you want to choose one that will handle the temperature or your unit will spend excess energy trying to defrost.
Check that the manufacturer guarantees the unit performance down to 2°C. If you have opted for an Energy Star rated heat pump then this is something that you won’t need to worry about. Providing they are properly installed, energy star rated models are verified to work in temperatures 2°C provided they are adequately sized.
