Heat pumps as a home appliance work similar to other big devices; they need to be sized for the home and the use they will be expected to serve. Choosing a heat pump that is too small will quickly turn into frustration for the homeowner. A heat pump that is too big will provide plenty of performance but may be spending more money than is needed for the benefit.
There is nothing wrong with having extra capacity for additional needs, but there’s no reason to over-spend as well. This decision comes up the same with either a new addition or a heat pump upgrade. And there’s no generic answer for every homeowner. Every case has nuances that make it unique.
Diving In or Time to Replace
When it’s time to install a heat pump, it’s usually because a homeowner has decided to buy one for the first time or the existing old one no longer works well and needs to be replaced. The latter usually occurs with a technician’s review and evaluation that the old unit isn’t working anymore or about to fail. It is an investment in the home and a big decision, and the commitment shouldn’t be rushed if that can be avoided. It also helps to have some key background information as well.
Regional Climate Impact
Where a home is located geographically makes a big difference to the heat pump needed. Mild areas don’t need as strong an apparatus because temperatures stay in mid-range. Extreme swing locations, on the other hand, can benefit from a stronger system to counter the effects of climate in those areas.
System Type Desired
Heat pumps come in different versions. Some models only focus on producing heat for a home. Others can provide heat and cooling, depending on the time of year and how the temperature difference works. Many homeowners today seek to maximize the heat pump effect year-round and want both heat and cooling, depending on the season.
Consider Improved Models
With the size of the home in mind, the development of better pump models comes into play. Since replacements over a large period of time since the first one was installed, a good amount of improvement can have occurred since then. The same pump may not even be available anymore. Upgraded and better designs are definitely available and worth considering for more efficient impact per dollar invested.
Heating per square foot is the general benchmark that will dictate one pump model over another. This converts into a measurement of BTUs per square foot. The amount can vary depending on the climate intensity of the immediate region. Where, in a mild region, the BTUs needed may be 35 to 40 per square foot, in much colder regions it could be higher. However, space also makes a difference too. Large rooms dissipate heat faster. So, this adds to the BTU demand per square foot as well.
Don’t Feel Caught in the Past
Choosing the right heat pump size can change over time, and the model a home had the first time may not necessarily be the same for the second. There’s no reason to be caught in a rut simply because of what was done before. Every commitment choice should be within itself. The past can help with experience, but circumstances and new interests in how a home climate should feel can definitely have a say as well.
Definitely work with a professional technician, understand the latest equipment available and what fits a home best, and then make a decision that feels the most comfortable. Your home and you will benefit from it for years to come.
