Heat pumps are an increasingly popular option for controlling the temperature in Cheverly, MD, homes. However, solid HVAC knowledge is not always the basis for what you’ll find. Discover the most common myths associated with heat pumps and the truths surrounding them.
You Only Need Your Home’s Square Footage to Size a Heat Pump
It’s true that calculating the right size heat pump for your home starts with your home’s area. However, if you only use that, you will likely have an improperly sized system. To get the proper capacity, you’ll also need to consider:
- Number and size of windows
- Insulation
- Ceiling height
- Number of home occupants
- External environment
- Heat producing appliances
Improving Your Heating and Cooling Efficiency Doesn’t Affect Home Value
Whenever you complete a major home project, one of the considerations is how it will affect your home value. There’s little evidence to suggest that installing a heat pump will raise your property value.
However, the National Association of Realtors suggests that it may help influence purchasing behavior. In a 2022 report, they found that 30% of home buyers believe environmentally friendly features are very important. Therefore, installing a heat pump will make your home more attractive to 1/3 of all homebuyers.
Closing Vents in Unused Areas Improves Efficiency
At a high level, closing your vents in unused or infrequently used areas would help improve efficiency. After all, it seems that doing so would force more of your conditioned air into the rest of your home.
While it will direct more conditioned air away from those areas, doing this actually reduces your efficiency. Your HVAC system depends on the supply vents to evenly distribute warm and cool air around your home. Closing your vents leads to the system running longer cycles to achieve your desired temperature.
Don’t Worry About Your Heat Pump Until It Malfunctions
Have you ever heard the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of solution? Well, that holds true with heat pumps, too.
As a heat pump runs, it slowly collects contaminants that create airflow restrictions. It also vibrates, which loosens electrical connections and mounting hardware, leading to additional repairs.
Your outdoor unit also clogs with dirt, grass, and other debris, restricting airflow. Plan to gently wash it two or three times during the warmer weather to remove those contaminants. Also, keep an eye on the plants around your unit and keep trees, shrubs, bushes, grass, and weeds trimmed back.
You Only Need to Change Your Air Filter Once a Year
Your air filter is critical to keeping your heat pump running efficiently and with fewer repairs. However, it only works when it can pass air through the filter so that the filter can remove the contaminants. This means your filter needs attention to ensure it stays in good condition.
For the common 1- and 2-inch pleated filter, you’ll need to change your filter at least every three months. Larger filters may last longer, depending on your indoor air quality. Plan to check your filter monthly to keep an eye on how quickly it gets dirty.
An Energy-Efficient System Is All I Need to Lower My Energy Bills
An energy-efficient heat pump will help position you to lower your energy bills. However, it’s only one component out of three that all work together.
To get the most benefit from it, you also need to check your insulation and windows. These two factors account for the vast majority of lost HVAC energy. If either isn’t properly insulating your home, your heat pump will work harder, negating its efficiency.
Don’t fall for the heat pump myths that will cost you in the long run. Call Griffith Energy Services to schedule a consultation or heat pump maintenance visit with one of our experienced service technicians today.
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