Heat pumps are a wonderful example of modern technology; affordable, energy efficient and beneficial in many ways to everyone, and as the technology is relatively new, it’s natural for anyone considering purchasing a heat pump to ask questions. That’s why we’ve compiled five of the most common heat pump questions including how they work and how much they cost.
How do heat pumps work?
Surprisingly, heat pumps don’t actually create heat – they simply transfer it from one place to another. It’s the same principle as your fridge; expanding/contracting gas and extracting/expelling the heat as a by-product.
When heating, a heat pump absorbs the heat from the cold air outside, using refrigerant as the medium. This heats up the refrigerant, which is then piped through your wall and into the unit in your room. The unit then takes this heat from the refrigerant and releases it into the warm air.
When cooling, the same thing happens, but in reverse order. The hot air from your room is drawn into the unit, transfers its heat into the refrigerant, and is then pumped out to the compressor outside your home.
How much do heat pumps cost to run?
Heat pumps are now the most energy efficient way to heat an average home or commercial premises.
Traditional heaters use a lot of power to create heat, but because heat pumps move heat around, they cost somewhere in the region of a quarter of electric heaters and one-third of gas heaters.
Using our latest heat pump special as an example, we can show you just how cheap a heat pump is to run.
The Classic GE42 High Wall Heat Pump has a heating capacity of 5kW.
If you have it on in the morning for an hour before going to work, and then at night for a couple of hours, that will cost approximately $250 per year – less than $5 per week, or roughly 70 cents per day!
Obviously, you’ll use your heat pump more or less at different times of the year, but as an average estimate, you can really see how a heat pump is cheap to run, especially compared to electric and gas heaters.
What size heat pump do I need?
Every home is different, and each room a different size. It’s important to install the right sized heat pump for the right sized room. Choosing one that’s too small can not only leave you cold at night, but give you unnecessarily high power bills.
The age and type of house or you live in is also a factor. Older homes without insulation will lose a lot of heat, so a more powerful heat pump will be needed to maintain the temperature. Insulating your home can save thousands of dollars in energy bills.
As every house and space is different, it is essential you seek the advice of an expert before buying a heat pump.
One of our technicians will be happy to come out for a consultation and recommend which type of heat pump would best suit your home or commercial space.
Can I install a heat pump myself?
The short answer is no.
If you’re a handyman, builder or even an electrician, it doesn’t mean you know how to install a heat pump.
Correct installation is essential in ensuring the unit performs at peak efficiency, that it’s structurally stable, and doesn’t void the warranty.
Like most things in life, you get what you pay for, and hiring the cheapest installer will usually mean problems further down the line. Some less reputable companies also add installation as an extra fee, but with Heat and Cool, everything is included.
Do I need to clean my heat pump?
Like any machine to keep it in peak condition, regular maintenance is highly recommended.
Giving your heat pump a clean couple of times a year will help it last longer, run smoother and cut down on electricity bills.
Ensuring your filters are clean and healthy is hugely important; think about the accumulation of dirt, pathogens and allergens that build up on the filters over time along with constant use. Cleaning often, rather than waiting until the filter is filled with dust and pathogens is the best option.
Cleaning a heat pump filter is a simple process, and we have instructions on our site here.
Heat pumps will perform more efficiently with clean filters, and if looked after properly, a filter should last the lifetime of the unit.
If you have any questions about us, what we do, or how we can help with the purchase of a new heat pump, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 09 827 4784, or drop us a line through our Contact Page.
Check out our Specials page, where each month we have a new deal for a unit and installation, all at an unbeatable price.
