Invest That Tax Refund in a Heat Pump System, and You’ll See the Long-Term Payoff

It’s that time of year again when excited homeowners make plans for their tax refunds. Even more exciting is deciding to put that investment toward a more efficient heating and cooling system, which will often pay you back for the initial costs through energy savings. An air-source heat pump system is a wise choice for Charlotte-area homeowners, as our climate is conducive for its heat-moving technology.

Heat pump systems are well known for their highly efficient heating capabilities.

In cooling mode, they work just as efficiently as a central A/C system, but in heat mode, they are able to generate as much as four times the heat for every unit of energy they utilize. Generally set at a balance point of 35 degrees, they can effectively source heat in the outdoor air throughout the majority of winter.

No matter the season, heat pumps create a more comfortable home by delivering even amounts of conditioned air throughout the day. When selecting a system, consider efficiency ratings and advanced features to maximize performance:

• Efficiency ratings – Heat pumps have two ratings, one for cooling and one for heating. For cooling, select a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating above 14, and for heating, select a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating above 8. Both of these ratings are for high-efficiency systems, which will net you higher energy savings over the life of the system.
• Thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) – A TXV will meter exact amounts of refrigerant according to the daily weather, releasing more refrigerant during extreme temperatures.
• Variable-speed blower – With the ability to adjust the air handler to multiple speeds, these systems consume less energy by operating at a lower speed for a majority of the day, and like a TXV, ramping up to high speeds only when the weather demands it.
• Two-stage compressor – A two-stage compressor starts out at 70% of its capacity and if this satisfies your thermostat it stays there using less energy. However on extreme temperature days when 70% doesn’t satisfy your thermostat quick enough then the compressor will bump up to 100% capacity. This feature will manage energy consumption, and decrease wear and tear on the system.

Use your tax refund wisely and invest that money back into your home with a highly efficient heat pump system. For expert advice during the upgrade process, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, serving the greater Charlotte area as a local, family-owned company since 1972.