Heat Pump

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

• Indicates how efficient a heat pump is
• Look for a SEER rating of 14 or higher (Example: If you replace a heat pump from the early 1970's with a SEER rating of 6 with a new one with a rating of 12, you will cut your heating and cooling costs in half!)
• High SEER ratings increase the "up front" costs a little, but they pay you back many times over
• Ask EMEPA about rebates on 14 SEER (or higher) heat pumps

COST

• Remember the saying "you get what you pay for."
• The cheapest heat pump may not be the best deal for you
• There are some very worthwhile features that will add cost to certain heat pumps - A few examples:
  • System failure sensors that shut down the entire system to prevent damage to expensive components
  • Power off timers that prevent a compressor from trying to restart under pressure during momentary power outages
  • Dual speed and/or dual capacity compressors which provide more flexibility and efficiency
  • Variable speed air handler motors
• Some warranties are longer and more comprehensive
• Discuss these features in detail with your contractor to decide which ones are right for you

DESIGN

• Make sure that your HVAC contractor is performing an A.C.C.A. (Air Conditioning Contractors of America)
• Right-J load calculation to accurately determine the proper size system
• This is not be a simple question of "tonnage" rather; how much and what type of load
• Any new system should be chosen from the heat pump manufacturer's data and based on the Sensible Load and Latent Load characteristics of your home
• EMEPA can provide a free Right-J load calculation for you or your contractor

DUCT

• Duct work should be designed and sized according to A.C.C.A.
• Right-D calculations/recommendations
• This assures the proper sizing of HVAC duct thus avoiding airflow problems
• Use flex duct ONLY in areas where rigid duct cannot be installed
• Any duct not located in the interior air space should be fully insulated
• Incorrect placement of supply registers can make the difference between a comfortable system and an uncomfortable one
• ALL DUCT JOINT AND SEAMS SHOULD BE SEALED WITH MASTIC!
• No longer is duct tape sufficient for seams, because duct tape will loose its adhesiveness with time
• EMEPA can provide a free Right-D duct plan for you or your contractor

QUESTIONS
Contact EMEPA if you are considering a new HVAC system and want answers to your questions.

It's unwise to pay too much?but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money?that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.

The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.

-JOHN RUSKIN