A home’s HVAC system in in Neptune Beach, FL, might account for up to 50% of it’s energy usage. New HVAC systems use less energy without compromising on performance. Most new heat pumps have a high SEER rating of at least 20 and smart features such as two-stage compressors to save on energy consumption. Read on to learn more.

High SEER Rating

Since 2015, the minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio for heat pumps has been 14 with a heating seasonal performance factor rating of 8.2. These ratings are a comparison of the energy used in relation to the heating or cooling capacity of the heat pump.

The efficiency of a unit is higher as the SEER number increases. Before 1980, heat pumps operated at 6 SEER. Between 1980 and 2000, heat pumps operated at between 7 and 10 SEER. Today, the least efficient systems on the market operate at 14 SEER.

Carrier heat pumps offer a SEER rating of up to 24, an EER rating (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of up to 16.5 and a HSPF rating of up to 13. Carrier uses different technologies to keep the energy consumption low.

Variable Speed Motors

One of the ways a new Carrier heat pump achieves a high SEER rating is through variable speed motors. It monitors the temperature, humidity and a host of other factors, adjusting the speed of the motor based on them.

The heat pump motor rotates faster in the morning to change from a cool nighttime to a warmer daytime thermostat setting. Once it gets to a comfortable temperature, it moderates the speed of the motor to reduce energy consumption.

Variable speed motors not only offer more energy savings but also enhanced comfort, less noise and cleaner air. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy estimates that a variable speed motor running at half speed will save up to 75% in energy use.

Smart Sensors

To regulate the speed of the motors, heat pumps have sensors and smart features. The sensors detect conditions within the home and adjust the motor speed to meet your needs.

Carrier uses Infinity Systems coupled with Greenspeed systems, which is a series of sensors with advanced technology to control the heating unit. This system can work with a smart thermostat to provide even more flexibility.

Two-Stage Compressors

Two-stage compressors have the same energy-saving benefits as variable speed compressors. One-stage compressors cool your home by running at a single level. Because they run at a single speed, they start and stop many times during operation, which uses a lot of energy.

Two-stage compressors run on a low setting when the weather is favorable, and they crank up to high power when summer kicks in. When the unit is running at a low setting, it reduces humidity from the air, making the rooms more comfortable. This will also prolong the lifespan of the heat pump as it eliminates the need to constantly cycle.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

The Carrier geothermal heat pump can save you up to 70% in energy bills every year. The temperature below the ground is constant at 54 degrees.

This temperature is higher than the air temperature in winter and colder than the air temperature in summer. Geothermal heat pumps use the ground as a heat sink in summer and as a heat source in winter.

In winter, the loops of pipes (the heat exchanger) circulate water or refrigerant 10 feet below the ground. The water absorbs the ground’s heat and transfers it to the heat pump above the ground. This heat pump then distributes the heat through ducts to keep you comfortable.

In summer, the fluid in the loops of pipes absorbs heat from your home and transfers it to the ground. The ground then cools the fluid, which then cools the air in your rooms. Your heat pump doesn’t need to work as hard to cool the ground-chilled air.

Upgrading your heat pump offers a lot of benefits. Call Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating to install a new Carrier heat pump today and enjoy great energy savings all year.

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