Air Source Heat Pump Electricity Usage
Are you considering installing a heat pump for your home but are worried about its energy consumption? You are not alone. This is a common question among homeowners, and in this blog post, we’ll clear up any misconceptions and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another rather than generating heat through combustion like a traditional furnace, making heat pumps a popular choice for many homeowners looking for an energy-efficient way to heat and cool their homes. In fact, due to their greater efficiency, heat pumps can save homeowners 40% on their monthly energy bills compared to furnace systems.
When it comes to heat pump energy consumption, there are several factors to consider, such as the size and model of the pump, its efficiency rating, and the size and climate of your home. To offset the cost of electricity, many homeowners choose to invest in solar panels as they complement a heat pump well and make a smart long-term investment. In this article, we'll explore the electricity consumption and costs of heat pumps, as well as the complementary cost benefits of using solar energy.
Factors affecting heat pump electricity consumption
1. Heat pump size
An important factor that affects the electricity consumption of a heat pump is the size of the unit. Larger heat pumps use more electricity than smaller heat pumps, so it's important to choose a unit that's right for the size of your home.
* 1 ton (12,000 BTU): The smallest heat pump, typically used in small apartments, condos, or small homes. They are best suited for mild climates and homes that don’t require much heating or cooling.
* 2 tons (24,000 BTU): suitable for homes with medium to large areas. They are best suited for homes that require moderate heating or cooling.
*3 tons (36,000 BTU): Typically used in larger residential or commercial buildings. They are suitable for homes in moderate to cold climates and are best used in homes that require a lot of heating or cooling.
* 4 tons (48,000 BTU): Typically used in very large residential or commercial buildings. They are suitable for homes in cold climates or that require a lot of heating or cooling.
*5 Ton (60,000 BTU): Largest unit, suitable for commercial buildings and large residences. They are best used in colder climates and are ideal for homes that require a lot of heating or cooling.
Heat pump type
When choosing a heat pump, the type you choose can have a significant impact on your electricity usage. Choosing the right type of heat pump depends on your area's climate, the size and layout of your home, and your budget and energy needs. Consult a professional to determine the best option for your specific situation.
There are five main types of heat pumps:
1. Electricity consumption of air-to-air heat pump:
Moderate air-to-air heat pumps take heat from the air on the load side and transfer it to refrigerant flowing through coils within the ductwork. The air blown over the coil heats the air in the house. This is the most common type of heat pump.
2. Ground source (geothermal) electricity usage:
Low ground source or geothermal heat pumps use the ground as a heat source. They use a buried loop of pipes (called a ground loop) filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze. Heat from the ground is absorbed by the fluid in the ground circuit and is carried into the heat exchanger. This heat is then transferred to the refrigerant, which circulates through the heat pump to heat the air or water in the house. This type of heat pump is considered an efficient and cost-effective heating and cooling option.
3. Water to water electricity:
A low water-to-water heat pump is a type of geothermal heat pump that uses water as the heat source. They need to drill into the ground and then use a heat exchanger to transfer heat to the water flowing through the heating system.
4. Water to Air Electricity Usage:
Low water-to-air heat pumps use geothermal drilling to capture heat from the earth's surface. However, instead of transferring heat to the water, the hot water flows through a coil in the pipes, and when air is blown over the coil, it heats up.
5. Air to water electricity:
Moderate air-to-water heat pumps take heat from the air on the source side and transfer it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant then circulates through a heat exchanger where it can heat the water on the load side before being pumped into the house. This type of heat pump is less common than other types of heat pumps.
Heat pump efficiency
Heat pump efficiency is the ratio of the thermal energy a heat pump can transfer to space or water to the electrical energy it consumes. Two key ratings to look at are coefficient of performance (COP) and seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). COP measures how efficiently a heat pump converts electrical energy into heat, while SEER measures its cooling efficiency. The higher the COP and SEER ratings, the more energy efficient the heat pump is and the less electricity it consumes.
The most efficient heat pumps have a COP of around 5, meaning they can provide 5 units of heat energy for every unit of energy consumed. Factors that affect heat pump efficiency include the design and size of the unit, the temperature difference between the heat source and radiator, and the ambient temperature.
The energy consumed by heat pumps varies widely, from 0.802 kWh to 5.102 kWh per hour. This means operating costs range from $0.10 to $0.98 per hour. It's worth noting that when first starting up, the energy used (called starting wattage) can be higher, up to 3 times the average usage, ranging from 2,406 watts to 15,306 watts.
House size and climate
Finally, the size of your home and your climate can also affect your heat pump's power usage. Larger homes require more energy to heat and cool than smaller homes, and homes in colder climates require more energy to heat than homes in warmer climates. Heat pumps are most efficient in environments without prolonged periods of extremely cold weather. When temperatures drop below 25 degrees, the system becomes less efficient because it relies on the heating strips to meet demand.
Check out these tips for operating a heat pump in cold climates.
Heat pump annual electricity consumption
Air source heat pumps use an average of 545 watts to 7,500 watts of electricity. Watts per hour can be calculated by dividing the British Thermal Units (BTUs) required to heat or cool a home by the SEER in warm months and the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) in cold months.
1. In cooling mode, the heat pump can consume 0.55-5.14 kWh per hour, 4.36-41.14 kWh per day, and 130.91-1234.29 kWh per month. At $0.15/kWh, operating costs range from $19.64 to $185.14 per month.
2. In heating mode, the heat pump can consume 0.86-9.00 kWh per hour, 6.86-72 kWh per day, and 205.71-2160 kWh per month. At $0.15/kWh, operating costs are $30.86-$324 per month.
Offsetting heat pump electricity costs with solar panels
One way to offset the cost of electricity usage for a heat pump is to install solar panels. Solar panels are rated around 350W and can produce enough energy to power your heat pump and other appliances in your home. Cost savings from solar panels will depend on electricity usage, location, electricity prices and plans. However, most people can expect to save $10,000 to $30,000 after 7 to 8 years of use.
Installing solar panels can be a smart financial decision for homeowners, as many states offer rebates and incentives. Not only does it save you money on energy bills, it also increases the value of your home. Additionally, solar panels provide sustainable and long-term energy, helping to reduce the carbon footprint. Be sure to research the options available in your area to maximize the benefits of solar energy.
Heat Pumps: An Energy-Efficient and Cost-Effective HVAC Solution
If you're looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to heat and cool your home, a heat pump is an excellent choice. As we've discussed, its electricity usage depends on various factors, such as the size and type of heat pump, its efficiency rating, and the size and climate of your home. To save even more, it's worth considering pairing a heat pump with solar panels. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a heat pump without incurring unnecessary expenses.
Get more help
Leomon is a professional heat pump manufacturer. If you are considering purchasing an air source heat pump, please contact us. Our heat pump experts will give you the best advice.
