Weatherization Before Heat Pump?

by Don Ames

Some weatherization and air sealing needs to be done before that Heat Pump is installed that will save you energy and money.

by Don Ames

A new high efficiency heat pump is a pretty good way to pump heat and cooling into your home and do it efficiently. A heat pump can save you power and lower your power bills.  Once installed, there is no cheaper way to heat and cool a home then with this type of whole house system. I suppose if you have your own forest and like to stay in shape chopping wood, you can heat your home cheaper with a wood stove than a heat pump, but you still do not have cooling and you probably have not placed a cost on the sweat investment involved with providing fire wood.

Back in the 1990′s, most home heat pumps were rated at a cooling efficiency rating of 8 to 10 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating ). Today, heat pumps have been improved to the place that SEER ratings go as high as 16. Heat pumps are such a good deal that power companies, States, and the federal government all offer some incentives or tax credits for their purchase. If you are considering installing or replacing a heat pump, be sure and contact your power company and allow them to bring you up-to-date on the rebates available and the certified contractors in your area.

Heat pumps, when installed on a forced air heating system become the primary source of heating and cooling. The electric, oil, or gas furnace you currently have becomes the back up heating system. Sometimes, in order to maintain the efficiency rating of the heat pump, the furnace needs to be upgraded at the same time. Ask your heating contractor how your current furnace effects the new heat pump operation.

This question comes up over and over again: How much other ( power saving, insulation, air sealing, window replacement, draft plugging, appliance update, light bulbs ) work should be done before a heat pump is installed? It’s a good question, the new heat pump is going to be more efficient and save you power and money. No use investing in a heat pump and then losing some of that efficiency by a poorly insulated, air sealed, or weatherized home.

Here is my home checklist of items you should consider before installing a new high efficiency heat pump:

1.  If attic insulation is below 8 inches, add insulation until the depth is at least 15 inches.

2.  If underfloor insulation is 4 inches or less, add insulation until the total depth is 6 inches or more.

3.  Have your heating ducts tested for leakage. If the leakage is more than 200 cfm ( cubic feet per minute ) to the outside of the home, have your heating ducts sealed until the leakage to the outside is less than 100 cfm. Ask your power company about having your ducts tested.

4.  Install new weatherstripping on all exterior doors that have their weatherstripping damaged or weatherstripping that is not effective.

5.  Seal all plumbing pipe penetrations under all kitchen and bathroom sinks. Seal shower valves and shower nozzles where they come through the wall or shower surround.

6.  Seal the attic access cover and the underfloor access hatch to eliminate all air leaks.

7.  Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Include garage, porches, and recessed can lights.

Ok, a list of seven items completed and then give your heating contractor a call. The new heat pump will save you power and dollars and your home will be ready to take advantage of the new power saving technology.

Thanks again for stopping by, hope you come back to Detectenergy soon, But remember, I won’t be leaving the lights on for you…Don Ames