An Õhksoojuspumbad saaremaal (Air source heat pumps in Saaremaa )is an efficient way to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. ASHP units are more energy-efficient than traditional gas or electric heating systems, but they do cost a bit more up front.
Depending on the season, an ASHP transfers heat from outdoor to indoor air or the other way around. Single-packaged ASHPs are units with both coils contained in a single box. These ASHPs are set up on a building’s roof with ductwork that extends through a wall. This method is used to install large systems, primarily for commercial building applications.
There are two types of ASHPs: ground mounted, which sits on the ground and is connected to a buried duct system; and mobile, which is placed inside the wall cavity. The type you choose depends upon several factors, including how many rooms you need to heat or cool, how far your property is from a power grid, and the availability of land for placement.
If you’re ready to make that decision, here are some important things you should know about ASHPs before you buy one.
Ground Mounted vs. Mobile Units
Both types of ASHPs have their pros and cons, so it’s important to understand the differences between them. Ground-mounted units are typically installed underground in the same manner as a standard geothermal heat pump. The unit is then connected to a series of pipes, which lead into the building via the basement or crawl space. Mobile units can be installed in either the basement or attic area above the ceiling, depending on the model. In both cases, the pipe runs through the wall cavity, connecting the unit to the furnace or AC unit.
Mobile units require less land to install since there’s no need for any concrete foundation, and they don’t require digging holes to place the unit. But because they’re only able to heat or cool a single room, they tend to be less efficient than ground-mounted units. On the other hand, mobile units offer greater flexibility when it comes to where you want to place the unit.
Installation and Maintenance Costs
Depending on the size and type of ASHP installation, costs vary. Ground-mounted units take longer to complete, so the initial installation price may be higher. But once the piping is put in place, it requires very little maintenance — just a simple check every few months to ensure everything is working properly. Mobile units can be set up quickly, but they also require regular maintenance throughout the life of the unit. Regular maintenance includes replacing filters on the fan coil, checking the evaporator coils, and ensuring the water circulating through the unit isn’t freezing and damaging the internal components.
Energy Costs
According to the US Department of Energy, installing an ASHP will save you money over time due to lower energy consumption and increased efficiency. A typical residential ground-mounted ASHP can reduce annual heating and cooling bills by $1,000 to $3,500.
ASHPs can be expensive upfront because they are much more expensive than a traditional furnace or air conditioner. However, if you plan to live in your house for at least 10 years, the initial investment will pay off with savings of hundreds of dollars per year on your utility bill. As long as you maintain your ASHP regularly, it could last well beyond its useful lifespan.
Heat Pumps vs. Forced Hot Water Systems
A forced hot water system uses a boiler to heat water for the entire house. This method is extremely inefficient, requiring nearly three times as much fuel as a heat pump to operate. It also takes longer to heat the whole house, making it impossible to use during the day or during the night while you sleep. If you already have a boiler, you might not even realize you’re using this inefficient system.
Heat pumps are similar to forced hot water systems in that they provide all the necessary heat for the house. They work in almost exactly the same way, except that they exchange heat between the outside environment and the interior spaces. Unlike a forced hot water system, however, heat pumps aren’t limited to being used in areas with consistent temperatures.
They can handle extreme temperature swings, like those experienced in colder climates, or in warmer locations where the ambient temperature changes dramatically from day to night. When it comes to energy efficiency, a heat pump is far superior to a forced hot water system, reducing the amount of energy required to heat and cool homes by half.
The main difference between a heat pump and a forced hot water system is that heat pumps aren’t dependent on electricity. They work without needing to be plugged in, so if your power goes out, they’ll continue to run. This makes them ideal for backup generators, which often rely on batteries to keep their machinery running.
How Long Does My System Last?
All heat pumps come with a warranty, which guarantees the product against problems within the first five to seven years of ownership. After that, the manufacturer will replace the unit if anything fails. Most manufacturers recommend having the system inspected annually by a certified technician.
If you don’t have a maintenance contract, you won’t get free inspections. However, most technicians charge around $40 each inspection. That means you’ll spend $80 every year to keep your system in good working order.
When it comes to the lifespan of an ASHP, your mileage will depend on several factors. First, the quality of the materials used in the construction of your unit affects longevity. Second, the size of the unit itself determines how long it lasts. Finally, the climate where you live plays a key role in determining how long your unit will operate reliably.
In the winter, air source heat pumps must be able to remove enough heat to prevent ice build-up on the condenser coil. During the summer, they must be capable of removing enough heat to help keep the air conditioned. In most parts of the country, air source heat pumps typically last anywhere from eight to 12 years, although some models last up to 20 years or more.
