Before you decide that a dual-fuel heat pump is right for you, you need to add up the numbers. Here are four important calculations that will help you know if your investment is worth it:
- Begin by analyzing the cooling and heating load of your home. There are many aspects that determine the specific range of cooling and heating capability you want your equipment to have. The amount of insulation, size and layout of your home and number of occupants are just a few examples of aspects that affect your home’s cooling and heating load. A technician can help you determine the specific loads of your home, and then he or she can tell you if your equipment is sized correctly.
- Compare the efficiency ratings of different dual-fuel heat pumps. While this kind of equipment is more efficient than regular furnaces and air conditioners, some heat pumps are still more efficient than others. Keep your eye open for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, and annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE)ratings. The higher these numbers are, the more efficiently the unit can provide cooling (SEER) and heating (AFUE) for your home all year-round.
- Do a comparative cost analysis. This will help you see how much money you will save over a given period of time once you make your investment. This is great for determining how long it will take your dual-fuel heat pump to pay for itself in energy savings.
- Find out about compatibility. A dual-fuel heat pump will replace your air conditioner, but in order to have enough heat in the winter, it will also need to be compatible with your current furnace. If you have an older furnace, you may need to upgrade it as well so it will work with a new switch-hitting system.
These are not calculations you can make on your own, so contact Roth Home today at (503) 673-6394 for guidance. We would be happy to answer all your questions about dual-fuel heat pumps and provide you with our expert advice on the subject.