Homeowners in La Quinta, CA, enjoy operating heat pumps because they’re highly efficient HVAC systems. However, some issues may significantly reduce their efficiency. Here are four factors that affect heat pump efficiency:
Age of the Heat Pump
Heat pumps generally last 10-15 years. After the tenth year, your system’s efficiency drops significantly. ENERGY STAR suggests you consider replacing your heat pump if it’s more than 10 years old.
Efficiency Rating
There are two major ratings that gauge heat pump efficiency: the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). These ratings show how efficiently a heat pump utilizes energy to cool or heat your home.
The higher the SEER or HSPF rating, the more efficient the system. Systems with higher ratings come with features such as a variable-speed compressor and a variable-speed blower motor, which help conserve energy.
Maintenance
As your system continues working, its parts become dirty and worn out. Also, the lubrication on the moving parts may run out and some connections may loosen. These problems significantly reduce the system’s efficiency.
If you fail to have service technicians maintain your heat pump regularly, these issues worsen, making your system more inefficient. Schedule heat pump maintenance services twice yearly so service technicians can clean, lubricate and repair your system’s components.
Size of the System
For your system to keep your family comfortable and utilize energy efficiently, its temperature regulation capability must match your home’s heating and cooling loads. When you install an oversized system, it turns on and off too often, thus consuming excessive energy and failing to spread the cooled or heated air evenly in your house. On the other hand, an undersized system runs constantly without meeting your heating and cooling needs.
It’s advisable to request a professional service technician to determine your home’s heating and cooling loads before you install a new heat pump. These loads will guide you in selecting the right system for your house.
Boosting your heat pump’s efficiency enhances your family’s comfort and lowers your repair and energy expenses. Call the heating and air conditioning pros at Esser Air Conditioning and Heating for all your HVAC needs. Our team will respond promptly and take the shortest time possible to fix the malfunctioning components.
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