Professional Heat Pump Replacement & Installation Services
Your heat pump is one of the most important appliances in your home. When it breaks down or begins running inefficiently, you not only lose money, but you also lose comfort. A repair may temporarily address the issue, but it’s only a matter of time before you need to replace it. That’s why we’re here to help – to provide you with the information you need to make a well-informed decision about heat pump replacement.
You lose both money and comfort when your heat pump breaks down or begins running inefficiently.
A heat pump repair may temporarily address the issue, but it’s only a matter of time before you need to replace it.
Not everyone knows if they will be able to afford a new heat pump. Worse, obtaining an honest response on the internet – as well as labor costs – might be difficult. We’ve come to put a stop to it.
We at Five Star Charleston believe that when you have all of the information you need to make an educated decision, you can get the most out of a heat pump replacement.
Labor Disclaimer
Labor costs are included for every range in this article. Too many online quotations and estimates don’t include labor costs. Labor might have a significant impact on the final cost of your heat pump replacement.
The cost of heating and cooling your house varies by location and residence. Make sure you’re comparing apples with apples. Inquire about labor expenses if they are included in the calculations from your HVAC partner.
Two Major Factors That Affect Heat Pump Cost
The cost of the equipment for your replacement heat pump is determined by two major factors:
- To meet your heating and cooling demands, your heat pump must have enough power or capacity to do so.
- The efficiency of your replacement heat pump
Heat Pump Capacity
To fulfill your heating and cooling demands, your heat pump must be capable of delivering adequate power. The cost of replacing your replacement heat pump rises as power increases. HVAC professionals may refer to the power of your heat pump as its capacity, output, or size.
The amount of heat your heat pump can output is limited by the capacity of your heat pump. Your HVAC provider, on the other hand, must make a load calculation to figure out the replacement capacity for your heat pump.
The calculations take into account any difficulties your heat pump would have to overcome in order to meet your heating and cooling demands.
Before recommending or selling you a system, state-licensed heating contractors like Five Star Charleston will always do a load calculation on your property. nDon’t assume a previous calculation is still correct. Make sure your HVAC partner does a load check before any installation.
Heat Pump Efficiency Ratings
As with all HVAC equipment, more efficient heat pumps tend to cost more upfront.
On the other hand, heat pumps are more expensive to purchase and maintain than traditional gas appliances. However, in the long term, they may save you money on energy costs. More efficient heat pumps can also usually provide greater comfort.
Only you can decide whether or not a more efficient heat pump is worth the investment. But let’s talk about how you can identify efficient heat pumps.
Heat pumps may be classified as either air conditioners or heat pumps, and they are given separate efficiency ratings since they provide both cooling and heating:
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
A heat pump’s efficiency is measured with a SEER rating while it cools. Heat pumps have a range of 14-20 SEER.
The efficiency of a heat pump is rated using the HSPF system while it’s heating. Heat pumps can range from 7.7 to 10 HSPF in terms of efficiency.
The amount of energy a heat pump consumes is the basis for both SEER and HSPF ratings.
While both SEER and HSPF are calculated differently, higher SEER and HSPF ratings indicate more efficient heat pumps.
Heat Pump Parts
When people think about heat pumps, the first thing that comes to mind is the outdoor unit. But there’s more to your heat pump than meets the eye.
Here’s a short list of some typical goods that come standard with nearly every new heat pump installation:
- Indoor and outdoor units: A heat pump transfers heat from inside to outside and vice versa depending on the circumstances. To effect this movement, a heat pump requires coils on both the inside and outside of your home.
- Drain line: A heat pump requires 15 feet of drain line, on average. If your equipment demands a longer line in the area where you want to install it, there may be an extra fee.
- Thermostat: Your new heat pump may be able to communicate with your existing equipment through your current thermostat. In some circumstances, your HVAC contractor will need to run new wiring between your thermostat and the heat pump. If your old thermostat isn’t compatible, you’ll probably need a new one.
- Outdoor pad: The material your heat pump is mounted on makes a difference. It should be solid, level, and weather-resistant. Plastic pads that fulfill all of these criteria are used at Five Star Charleston.
- Snow legs: You’ll want plenty of ventilation for your equipment. The snow legs keep the outdoor unit off the ground and shield it from overheating and condensation buildup.
- Electrical components: The electrical disconnect and pipeline from the disconnect to the heat pump are included in this total.
Some of these will incur additional expenses beyond the basic equipment. Others (such as the indoor and outdoor units) will be included in the standard package.
Rebates and Tax Credits for Heat Pumps
Rebates and tax credits are available for a variety of reasons. Based on the heat pump model you select, you may qualify for one or more:
- Manufacturers frequently provide incentives in the form of rebates.
- Some local utilities provide discounts for a variety of furnaces, air conditioners, air handlers, and heat pumps.
- High-efficiency heating and cooling systems are often eligible for energy tax credits.
A licensed HVAC provider will know what each of these entails, not only in terms of tax advantages, but also as it pertains to your project.
Rebates and tax credits are not always available for heat pump replacements. But make certain you inquire with your HVAC contractor before signing on the dotted line.
Heat Pump Replacement in the Charleston Area
A competent HVAC contractor should be able to walk you through each element that influences the cost of replacing your heat pump. They should also proactively identify issues and recommendations that may influence the cost of your system.
However, a good HVAC contractor will comply with local building codes and product standards while installing your system correctly.