When choosing a heat pump, there are a number of factors to consider. This article should leave you better informed on choosing a heat pump.

Location, location, location…

Where you want a heat pump plays a crucial factor in choosing which heat pump is right for you. The larger your room, the larger the capacity of heat pump you require.

If you wish to install a heat pump in your bedroom, take particular care to opt for the quietest possible unit. If you get a noisy heat pump then you will not sleep too easily due to the high noise levels. Mitsubishi Electric manufacture extremely quiet heat pumps.

The number of rooms you wish to heat or cool also play a part in the selection of a heat pump. If you wish to heat or cool one room, a wall mounted heat pump is the best option. For two or more rooms, you can go for either a ducted system or two wall mounted heat pumps.

Ducted Heat Pumps

A ducted heat pump can be installed in your roof space, or in the crawl space beneath your house. A number of air grilles (or registers) are then cut into your floor or ceiling. These vents are then connected to the heat pump to allow air to circulate and be heated or cooled.

Wall Mounted Heat Pumps

These are usually mounted high up on the wall (high wall heat pump), or low down as a replacement for old electric or gas heaters. Wall mounted heat pumps are suitable for heating or cooling one room.

Correct Sizing

You must get the correct size heat pump for your room. Too small a heat pump will cause it to run at maximum throttle as it struggles to heat or cool your room. If a heat pump is oversized, it can lead to it cycling on and off, causing temperature fluctuations. To ensure correct sizing of a heat pump, always consult the professionals for a correct heat load estimation and capacity sizing.

Heat Pump Features

Modern heat pumps are very energy efficient and cost effective to run. They can heat, or cool your room to a comfortable level. Other features of a heat pump include air filters that trap dust and pollen. Water is removed from the air by dehumidification. This leads to cleaner, healthier air.

Most heat pumps also come with an infrared remote controller, and timer functions. This allows you to set the heat pump to turn on and off automatically when you know you will be away from home and when you will arrive home.

Heat pump installation

An air conditioning expert can usually install a wall mounted heat pump in around 6 to 8 hours. A qualified master electrician must do the final electrical connections, and the heat pump should be commissioned correctly by a qualified air conditioning expert. Failure to follow the strict installation procedures can and will cause damage to a heat pump. Always call in the professionals.

Resource Box: James Walton is an air conditioning engineer specialising in heat pump installation.