A home air-water heat pump is a great investment. It provides heating during the coldest months of winter, and cooling in the hottest days of summer. The cost of an air-water heat pump is a fraction of what you would pay for gas or electric space heaters, and they save you money on your utility bill. If you live in a colder climate, you may want to consider installing a high efficiency furnace as well.
In this article I will tell you more about these systems, including how to find out if one is right for you, and how much it might set you back. There are also several things that you should know before purchasing one, such as which type of installation you need, whether you can install it yourself, and what kind of warranties are available.
õhk vesi soojuspumba hind (Air Water Heat Pumps – Price)
The equipment and installation costs associated with switching your home’s HVAC system to air source heat pumps depend on a few different factors. There are several factors to consider, such as the type of heat pump system you’re installing (ducted versus ductless or mini splits), your current heating and cooling system (such as whether or not you have ducts), the number of rooms and floors you need to heat or cool, and the overall size of your living space.
The price of an air-water heat pump is determined by two factors: the size of the unit, and its efficiency rating. These ratings are measured in BTUs per hour per square foot. The larger the number, the better the system. A single stage system (a smaller system) will have a lower BTU output than a multi-stage system. You can look up the BTU ratings for each model online, or from the manufacturer’s website, but don’t be surprised when the numbers differ slightly between the two. For example, the American Standard ASHW744 has a maximum BTU rating of 1,500, while the American Standard ASHHW726 has a maximum of 1,200 BTU/hour/sq. ft.
If you’re buying a new system, expect to pay $3,000 – $4,000 for a small single stage system, and $10,000 – $15,000 for a large multi-stage system. Some manufacturers offer financing options, so ask before you buy. In addition, there are several different types of systems available, with varying efficiencies and features. So even though the cost is relatively low, it pays to shop around.
Installation
There are three basic installation methods for air-water heat pumps: self-installation, contractor installation, and rental installation. Self-installation means you do everything yourself. This option is best suited for homeowners who own their homes, and are comfortable working with tools.
Contractor installation means you hire someone else to do all the work. Depending on where you live, you could find some very qualified contractors, or you could end up paying hundreds of dollars to get the job done.
Rental installation is a third option. With this method, you rent a complete system from a reputable company. This saves you time and money, and lets you see how easy it really is to install one yourself.
Homeowner Installation Guide
- Determine if you can Install Your System Yourself
Most states require an electrical permit for all major electrical work, so you’ll need to check with your local building department to make sure you have adequate wiring capacity. If you’re not handy at all, it may be difficult to install your system without help. Before you purchase a system, contact your local HVAC dealer and ask them what kind of training you’d need to get certified to install the system yourself.
- Find Someone Who Can Help You
Even if you plan on doing most of the work yourself, you still need to hire a professional to handle the installation. An HVAC technician is trained and skilled enough to safely and efficiently install any type of air-water heat pump. He or she will also provide you with a written estimate, detailing the labor required for the project, the materials needed, and the approximate cost.
- Make Sure You Have Enough Capacity
It’s a good idea to consult with your local building inspector prior to starting the installation. Check to see if you have enough room to run ducts throughout your entire house. Also, be sure to check to see if the ductwork in your attic and basement are sufficient to accommodate the additional flow created by the system.
- Check with Local Contractors
When choosing a contractor, ask friends and neighbors for referrals. Check online to see if a particular company has been involved in previous projects. Ask for references from former customers, and get estimates from multiple companies.
- Schedule the Work
Once you’ve found a few companies and decided which one you want to use, schedule an appointment to meet the installer. Be prepared to answer any questions he or she may have, and discuss payment plans, delivery schedules, warranty terms, and anything else you need to cover.
- Get Started!
Once the installer arrives, he or she will start by removing your existing equipment. Then, depending on what type of system you purchased, either remove the existing insulation from the walls and ceilings of your home, or leave it intact. Next, the installer will disconnect your old gas lines and hook up the new ones. After that, the process is pretty straightforward — the rest of the work is just putting the parts together. Once everything is installed, turn the system on, and enjoy the benefits.
Air-Water Heat Pump Warranty Information
Before you buy, you should understand the warranty information. Warranties vary widely between brands, but here’s a brief overview of the most common terms.
10 Year Parts and Labor
This warranty covers mechanical components for 10 years. If your system breaks down within that period, then you can send it back to the manufacturer. They will repair or replace it free of charge.
5 Year Mechanical Parts
Some manufacturers offer a five year mechanical part warranty. This covers any mechanical problems that occur in the first five years of ownership, like worn belts or broken thermostats.
25 Year Parts & Labor
Some manufacturers offer 25 years of mechanical parts coverage. This covers all issues related to the mechanical aspects of the system for 25 years. However, the labor component only lasts five years. So after ten years, you’ll have to call in a licensed technician to repair any mechanical concerns.
15 Year Electrical Components
Other manufacturers give you 15 years of electrical parts coverage. But remember, the labor portion of the warranty only lasts five years. So after ten years, you’ll have to call in a licensed electrician to fix any electrical problems.
20 Year Electrical Parts
Still others offer 20 years of electrical parts coverage. Remember, though, the labor portion lasts only five years. You’ll have to call in a licensed electrician to fix any electrical problems once the system is five years old.
How Air-Water Heat Pumps Work
An air-water heat pump works by using the refrigerant fluid itself to create heat. Instead of moving electricity through wires to generate heat in a boiler, the air-water heat pump uses the refrigerant fluid to perform the same function. When the refrigerant evaporates, the heat is transferred into the surrounding environment. This process is called absorption.
Refrigerants absorb heat from the atmosphere when they evaporate. As a result, the air becomes cooler. Refrigerants absorb heat from the indoor air, the ground, and from the surrounding outdoor environment. This process is called desorption.
Air-Water Heat Pumps Provide Heating and Cooling for Homes
While air-water heat pumps are primarily used for heating during the winter, they can also provide cooling during hot summer weather. Because the air-water heat pump is able to transfer heat directly into the air, it doesn’t produce condensation inside the home. As a result, your air conditioning won’t run as often during the hottest months of the summer, saving you money on your monthly energy bills.
Because air-water heat pumps don’t emit harmful pollutants, they are considered green technology. You can feel confident knowing that your family will breathe cleaner air, and that your home will remain healthy.
For more information on air-water heat pumps, visit our Homepage.
