Air source heat pumps have been around for ages. The early versions of these pumps provided efficient heating ranging from 35F to 65F outdoor temperature. Below this range, the capacity of these pumps dropped drastically, causing some sort of supplemental heat needed to help warm the building.
Fast forward to today, the technological developments of air source heat pumps are much improved compared to heat pumps of the past. Capacities and efficiency ratings are much higher.
What was considered a high efficiency air source heat pump 20 years ago is now a basic, low efficiency unit today. The minimum SEER rating of today’s heat pumps is 14. The efficiency ranges available for current systems range from 14 up to the 30’s. In addition, capacity ratings are much higher at lower outdoor temperatures.
So, how exactly do air source heat pumps work?
Air source heat pump capacities drop as the outdoor temperature drops. Most single speed heat pumps require supplemental heating below 30F outdoor temperature, but there are many manufacturers that make a variable capacity low ambient heat pump.
Depending on the manufacturer, these heat pumps can provide their full rated capacity down to 5F outdoor temperature. With these systems, a homeowner will need very little supplemental heating for their home, resulting in substantially lower operating costs for this type of heat pump system.
So, when you are looking to replace or upgrade your system, consider a variable capacity low ambient heat pump. We offer these in the Mitsubishi brand. These systems can be ductless or ducted, one-on-one systems, or multi-zone systems. Additionally, the warranty on these systems is as high, or higher than most conventional single speed air source systems.
Ready to install a low ambient air source heat pump into your home? Give us a call at 570.788.2427.