High Efficiency Heat Pumps
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a heat pump?
- Are there different types of heat pumps?
- Is it true that heat pumps do not heat well in our area?
- What size heat pump should I select?
- Why is selecting the correct size or tonnage so important?
- How much does a heat pump cost?
- Can I purchase or finance a heat pump from KCP&L?
- How do I select a good dealer or contractor?
- Why should I use contractors who have achieved NATE certification?
- What efficiency levels are recommended?
- How much can I save with a heat pump?
- Does KCP&L provide incentives to customers who install heat pumps?
- How do I make sure my heat pump receives KCP&L's lower electric space heat rate?
- Does a heat pump require more maintenance?
- What is the life expectancy of a heat pump?
- What is Freon?
- Should I consider purchasing a programmable thermostat?
- What brand of heat pump should I purchase?
- Are there any tax credits for heat pumps?
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an air conditioner that is able to reverse cycle to provide heating. When in the cooling mode, it functions like a central air-conditioning system, removing heat from within your house to provide cool, dehumidified air. In the winter, it reverses the process going into the heating mode, absorbing heat from outside air, multiplying it and then transferring it inside to produce warm, even temperature levels throughout your home. When outdoor temperatures drop to approximately 30°F, or lower, supplemental back-up heating equipment works to provide additional heat. Depending on the type of heat pump, back-up heating is typically accomplished with either a gas-fired furnace or electric resistance coils - see Heat Pump Diagram.
Are there different types of heat pumps?
There are three types of heat pump systems typically used in homes today: All-Electric Air Source, Dual Fuel Air Source; and Ground Source Heat Pumps, also called Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP). All-Electric Air Source units use electric resistance coils to provide supplemental back-up heat. Dual-Fuel systems pair a heat pump with a gas or propane furnace which provides back-up heating when outdoor temperatures drop to approximately 30°F, or lower. GHP systems differ in that they utilize the earth and its constant 60-65°F subsurface temperatures as the source for heating and cooling.
Is it true that heat pumps do not heat well in our area?
This is not true. In fact, heat pumps are ideally suited for providing heat when outdoor temperatures range from 65°F down to around 30°F. In the Kansas City area, less than 10% of the winter season heating hours fall below 30°F. This means that the heat pump's heat transfer process efficiently satisfies the vast majority of a home's heating needs. Depending on the system, as temperatures fall below approximately 30°F, supplemental back-up heating equipment comes on to supply just the right amount of additional heat.
What size heat pump should I select?
The size of the system, expressed in British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heating and cooling output, needed to condition your home depends on many factors, including the total square feet and volume of your home; number, type and orientation of windows and doors; insulation levels and other characteristics. Ask your HVAC contractor to provide a Manual J® heating and cooling load calculation to determine the size of the unit needed to satisfy your home's comfort needs.
Why is selecting the correct size or tonnage so important?
Not installing the correct heat pump unit size can result in guesswork which can lead to under-sizing your new system, thereby reducing comfort in your home. Even worse, over-sizing will add unnecessary expenses and may contribute to moisture-related problems in the future due to improper dehumidification.
How much does a heat pump cost?
As with central air conditioning units, prices for heat pumps vary widely, depending on the unit's type and size; its cooling Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and its Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), plus other features and options. Ask your dealer about the cost differences and the options available.
Can I purchase or finance a heat pump from KCP&L?
KCP&L does not sell nor provide financing for heat pump or air-conditioning equipment. However, KCP&L does offer instant rebates for qualified equipment purchased through contractors participating in KCP&L's Cool Homes program.
How do I select a good dealer or contractor?
Many factors should be considered when looking for a quality dealer or contractor. KCP&L recommends you seek a contractor who is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) www.acca.org. ACCA is a nationwide association of over 4,000 air conditioning contractors who work together to improve the industry, promote good practices, and keep homes and buildings safe, clean and comfortable.
For more in-depth contractor selection criteria visit: www.acca.org/consumer/choosing/. We suggest you utilize contractor technicians who also have achieved heat pump certification through North American Technician Excellence (NATE), www.natex.org. Remember too, if you are installing a new system, it is a good idea to obtain installation proposals and pricing from more than one dealer so you can make good comparisons.
Why should I use contractors who have achieved NATE certification?
Using North American Technician Excellence (NATE) www.natex.org , certified heat pump technicians assures high quality equipment installation and service. NATE is the only nationwide certification program accepted by the entire heating, cooling and refrigeration industry, including contractors, manufacturers, and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), www.acca.org. NATE is a voluntary certification program designed to ensure that qualifying technicians have achieved a core set of heat pump and air-conditioning competencies.
What efficiency levels are recommended?
Equipment is available with rating efficiencies over 20 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). As a starting point, KCP&L recommends you consider purchasing equipment that has achieved the government-backed ENERGY STAR® logo. ENERGY STAR qualified central air-conditioning and heat pump units are more efficient than today's standard efficiency products. For more information, download the ENERGY STAR - Guide to Energy-Efficient Cooling & Heating
How much can I save with a heat pump?
The amount you will save depends on many variables, such as the type of unit and efficiency level you select, your families' lifestyle and behaviors, your thermostat's temperature settings and energy pricing. Generally speaking however, the higher the unit's SEER and HSPF ratings the greater the operational savings for cooling and heating - see Heating and Cooing Operating Cost Diagram.
Does KCP&L provide incentives to customers who install heat pumps?
Yes, there are two ways KCP&L is able to help you save. First, KCP&L offers reduced 8-month winter season electric space heat rates for homes that have permanently installed and thermostatically controlled electric heating equipment, such as a heat pump. To qualify, the heat pump system must be used to heat the entire house, so if you have more than one unit, all must be heat pumps or some other from of electric heating. Second, instant rebates are available for equipment qualified under KCP&L's Cool Homes program.
How do I make sure my heat pump receives KCP&L's lower electric space heat rate?
When having a heat pump installed in your home, ask your contractor to complete KCP&L's online Dealer Heat Pump Notification Form. This speeds up the process and better assures your home is placed on the reduced rate. It takes about 10-working days for the new rate to go into effect. If in doubt, you can also call our Customer Care Center at (816) 471-KCPL to check if your account has been changed to the space heat rate.
Does a heat pump require more maintenance?
The maintenance performed on a heat pump is not much different than what's required of air-conditioning equipment. It's a good idea to have maintenance performed in the spring and fall. Disposable air filters should be inspected and changed as needed or no less than every three to four months. For improved indoor air quality, consider using cleanable, reusable electrostatic air filters that can be used over and over. Other excellent options include whole-house electronic air filtration units and for ultimate allergy protection HEPA air filters.
What is the life expectancy of a heat pump?
Today's heat pumps can be expected to last as long as an air-conditioning unit - on average about 15-years. The key to long equipment life is selecting heat pump units backed by a 10-year manufacturer's warranty and having regular maintenance performed by a NATE certified heat pump technician.
What is Freon?
The term Freon is a product name commonly used to refer to a cooling system's refrigerant. A refrigerant is a chemical compound used in a cooling unit's compressor circuit that facilitates the heat transfer process from to heating to cooling. Until recently, the refrigerant designated as R-22 was the refrigerant of choice by U.S. manufactures for residential and small commercial cooling equipment, including heat pumps. Due to its contribution to the Earth's ozone layer depletion, U.S. manufactures have been aggressively switching over to R-410A, a non-ozone depleting refrigerant blend. The use of R-22 will begin to be phased out of production beginning 2010.
Should I consider purchasing a programmable thermostat?
KCP&L recommends using a programmable thermostat to consistently control your home's temperature. KCP&L customers with a working central air-conditioning or heat pump system can qualify to receive a FREE Energy Optimizer Honeywell programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats that have earned the ENERGY STAR® logo provide you with more flexibility than standard models and unlike older mechanical thermostats contain no mercury. According to ENERGY STAR the use of a programmable thermostat can save you up to 20% on your home's heating and cooling costs.
What brand of heat pump should I purchase?
KCP&L is not able to recommend a specific manufacturer. The key to picking a brand is making sure the unit has the features, options and efficiencies designed to fit your needs and budget. Make sure it also comes with a 10-year manufactures' warranty. Remember, choosing a good contractor who will perform a quality installation is just as important as the equipment you select.
Are there any tax credits for heat pumps?
Yes, there are tax credits available. For more information about federal energy tax credits go to U.S. Department of Energy.