Heat Pumps

SEER and HSPF numbers tell the real story about your heating and cooling bills. SEER measures cooling efficiency - anything below 16 SEER wastes money on summer electric bills. HSPF measures heating efficiency, and you want 8.5 HSPF minimum. For cold climates, go 10+ HSPF or don't bother upgrading. High-efficiency models can cut your bills by 25% compared to basic units.

Basic compressors work like old light switches – full blast or nothing. Variable-speed compressors adjust output to match what your home actually needs. They run longer cycles at gentler speeds, which gives you steadier temperatures and better humidity control. Buy variable-speed if your budget allows. Your electric bills can drop $300-$500 annually.

Standard heat pumps lose capacity when outdoor temperatures drop. At 20°F, most units only produce 60-70% of their rated heating capacity. Cold climate heat pumps use enhanced vapor injection to maintain heating output down to -15°F. Working with manufacturers taught me that cold climate models cost $1,000-$2,000 more but prevent expensive backup heat from running. Test data shows they maintain 75% capacity at 5°F while standard units drop to 40%.

Air source heat pumps need backup heating when outdoor temps drop too low. Electric resistance strips are common but expensive to run - like giant toasters inside your ductwork. Gas furnace backup costs more upfront but cheaper to operate. I've seen installations where homeowners wanted heat pumps but needed gas backup because their electric service couldn't handle resistance strips. This affects operating costs and equipment selection.

Signs: Cold air coming from vents, unit running but no heat, or nothing at all

Try these first:

• Check thermostat is set to heat mode
• Replace air filter if dirty
• Clear ice buildup from outdoor unit
• Check circuit breakers

Call someone when: Basic fixes don't work, you hear refrigerant hissing, or electrical parts look damaged

Signs: Big temperature differences between rooms, some areas too hot or cold

Try these first:

• Check that all vents are open and unblocked
• Replace dirty air filters
• Make sure return air vents aren't blocked by furniture

Call someone when: You still have problems after basic fixes – could be ductwork sizing or refrigerant flow issues

Signs: Grinding, squealing, hissing, or loud banging when the heat pump runs

Try these first:

• Clear debris from outdoor unit fan
• Check that nothing is hitting the fan blades
• Tighten loose panels or screws

Call someone when: Grinding, squealing, or refrigerant leaks keep happening – compressor trouble or refrigerant problems need professional fixes

What heat pumps cost:

• Basic models: $4,500-$6,500 installed
• High-efficiency units: $6,000-$8,500 installed
• Premium variable-speed: $7,500-$10,000 installed
• Geothermal systems: $15,000-$25,000 installed

Contractors mess this up all the time. They guess or use outdated rules instead of doing math. Too-big heat pumps turn on and off constantly, waste electricity, and can't control humidity. Too-small units run all day but never reach your target temperature when the weather gets extreme.

Contractors must use Manual J calculations to determine the correct size, measured in tons of cooling capacity. Homes generally need 1 ton per 500-600 square feet, though drafty older homes demand more while well-insulated newer construction needs less.

Don't let anyone guess at sizing. I've heard of too many problems from contractors who eyeball estimates instead of doing proper calculations.

As you're getting quotes for a new heat pump, ask each HVAC company these questions:

• Will you perform Manual J load calculations for proper sizing?
• What's the SEER and HSPF rating of the recommended unit?
• Do you have EPA certification for refrigerant handling?
• What's included in your installation warranty?
• Can you provide references from recent heat pump installations?

Your heat pump connects to other systems:

• Ductwork: Existing ducts often work but may need sealing and insulation improvements for optimal efficiency
• Thermostats: Heat pump compatible models prevent inefficient operation and reduce energy waste
• Air filtration: Higher-efficiency filters improve indoor air quality without restricting airflow

Looking for the right heat pump for your house? Smart HVAC USA connects you with local HVAC pros who'll figure out exactly what you need and give you recommendations that fit both your home and your wallet.