Buying a heat pump is a big investment, which will pay for itself over time by providing years of comfort for your Pineville home. Selecting a pump based on your needs, budget and efficiency rating is important, but one of the best ways of ensuring optimal performance is by making sure your home is prepped prior to installation. Here are some tips to get you started.
- Return to the basics: Ask your contractor to install a return register in each room to maximize airflow and efficiency. If that can’t be done, discuss your options for maximizing airflow in all of your rooms.
- Look to the north: Place the outdoor unit on the north side of your home or in a shady area. Ensure a minimum of 10 feet of clearance above and on all sides of the unit.
- Go for the gold: Aim to make your home as energy efficient as possible, upgrading elements such as windows and insulation where necessary and ensuring there is a suitable air barrier.
- Watch your return: Building cavities should not be used as return ducts; to do so may result in a loss of comfort and potential moisture and energy issues.
- Focus on placement: Whenever possible, locate ductwork inside the confines of the insulation and air barrier to save energy.
- Wrap your ducts: Ductwork in an attic or crawl space should be insulated to R-8.
- Aim low. Before installing your new heat pump, it’s important to measure the amount of air leakage from your ducts. Aim for a reading of 5 to 10 percent.
- Put your ductwork to the test: Make sure ducts are properly fastened by giving them a pull. Check joints to ensure that they are sealed with mastic, not duct tape, which can break down over time.
- Before you install a new heat pump in your Pineville home, call All Temp Air Conditioning & Heating. For more than 30 years, we have provided Pineville area homeowners with affordable and quality service.