Ducted, ductless or dual-fuel heat pump?
Suitable existing ducts may make a house a candidate for a central heat pump. A home with radiators and no ducts may suit ductless equipment for cooling and selected heating needs.
If the furnace is staying, a compatible heat pump can sometimes work with it in a dual-fuel system.
How a heat pump handles cold weather
Heating capacity and efficiency change with outdoor conditions. Ask for the proposed system’s output at relevant temperatures and how it compares with the home’s heat loss.
If backup heat is included, ask what provides it and when it is intended to operate.
Electrical, airflow and control changes
The electrical supply, ducts or indoor units, outdoor placement, drainage and controls can affect the project. An all-electric conversion may involve more work than replacing an existing heat pump. The written proposal should identify those changes.
Why does AUX heat keep coming on?
AUX indicates that supplemental heat has been called for. Cold-weather demand, recovery after a thermostat change and a defrost cycle can affect its use. The control settings and installed equipment determine when it operates; one fixed outdoor temperature does not apply to every home.
A new increase in AUX use, persistent ice or rooms that no longer reach their setting calls for a system check. Emergency heat is a separate thermostat mode; follow the equipment instructions and the advice for your system rather than switching modes to hide an unexplained problem.
How heat-pump heating can feel different
Heat pumps often deliver gentler warmth over longer runs. A longer run is not automatically a fault when the system is maintaining temperature. Ask how to use the thermostat and which operating patterns are normal for the selected equipment.
Compare heat-pump costs using your own assumptions
Utility prices, weather, household habits and the old and new equipment affect energy use and bills. A single efficiency rating cannot predict an annual bill.
Compare complete installation prices and reasonable operating assumptions alongside comfort and maintenance.
Heat-pump installation questions to bring to a visit
- Will the existing ducts work?
- What happens during the coldest weather?
- What electrical or control changes are needed?
- Which parts of the old system can stay?
- How will operation be checked after installation?
