People frequently inquire about heat pumps, normally something along the lines of What does a heat pump installation cost, and what exactly is a heat pump? Well, the short answer is a heat pump is really an air conditioner which is able to operate in reverse to heat up your house and also cool it. A heat pump will distribute the heat from one part of a house to another, normally without you having to make any changes to your system. Heat pumps also work in conjunction with forced air heating and cooling systems.
There are many factors involved in heat pump installation cost, however the main two main components are the pump itself, which is called a compressor, and the condenser unit, or condenser unit housing, which is also known as the evaporator. The compressor/condenser must be installed correctly, or else the whole system will not function properly, or may even break down. If not installed properly then the whole purpose of buying the unit is lost, because in order for it to work it needs to be both installed correctly and optimally. You can either do it yourself, or you can employ a reputable air conditioning contractor to install it for you, although sometimes it is better to let the professionals do the job. There is no point in having a substandard unit, if you’re going to use it to cool your home.
Now that we have established what it is, we need to look at heat pumps prices, or more specifically what types of units there are and how they differ from each other. Generally speaking, heat pumps are installed in the same way as air conditioners, by using brackets and pipes and ductwork. However, because heat pumps operate at a lower level than air conditioners, their installation costs tend to be much higher. This is just a cost of doing business, so when considering heat pump installation costs, bear this in mind.
It’s not just the heat pump installation cost that need to be factored in, but the labor costs involved, if you are hiring a professional company to install it for you. While a general Contractor may be slightly cheaper to employ, depending on their experience, you also need to factor in their time spent on the job. The more time they spend, the more it will cost, so you will have to factor this into your equation. If your labor costs aren’t too high, then the heat pump installation cost may not be that big an issue for you.
However, there are pros and cons associated with each system, so before you make a final decision, take a good look at the pros and cons of each type of cooling and heating system available to you. Of course, your location will impact the type of pump you install, but other factors such as climate, local power sources and any existing plumbing will also factor in to your heat pump installation cost. Once you have determined which heat pump is best for your needs, you can then price the installation. Obviously, the pros of each heat pump outweigh the cons, so this should not be a major concern for you.
One of the biggest factors that will affect heat pump installation prices, regardless of whether they are installed by a professional or not, is the size of unit you need. Each individual unit is manufactured to a certain specification, so if you need a very large capacity unit, then you will have to pay more than if you wanted a smaller unit. Of course, if you do purchase a large capacity unit, then you might consider purchasing a hybrid version, as these vary in size depending on the season. This means that if you live in an area where there are seasonal weather changes, you could save money on your heating costs.
Another thing that will greatly affect your heat pump installation cost is how much natural gas and electricity you will require. Most natural gas heat pumps require direct sunlight to function, whereas air conditioners are dependent upon the weather in order for them to function at all. The energy requirements for both will differ from season to season, and you will need to calculate this into the equation to determine your monthly outlay. It is a good idea to consult an electrician if you are not certain about the energy requirements, as they should be able to help you.
As with any installation, you will want to make sure you get all the relevant information before making any final decisions. For example, when it comes to insulating the pump itself, you should consider the sound rating of the material you are going to use. You may only require a small insulator if you live in a temperate climate, where the cost of installing a heat pump is not big. However, if you live in a tropical or sultry climate, a larger insulator will help to keep the pump quieter, and therefore save on operating costs. Also check with your local authority before installing a heat pump in your home, especially if it is in an unheated building. Most local authorities have noise limits, and you could find your investment causing you a great deal of stress if you are not aware of these limits.