It is now acknowledged that heat pumps are sophisticated enough to be among the most advantageous systems for homes, condos, etc. Heat pumps are efficient both in cooling and heating modes. When combined with other technologies as needed, they can make your home very comfortable and eco-friendly.
During summer, conventional air conditioning can be costly in terms of electricity. This is often because the air conditioner must run at full blast so that cool air can reach other rooms, resulting in uneven comfort. With a heat pump (especially a “multi-split” system), the situation is quite different as its operating cost remains low. Especially when used properly and upgraded. The energy savings are then significant.
A maintained system = sustained good air conditioning
Upgrading your heat pump air conditioning system first means carrying out the maintenance required by the manufacturer. A heat pump tends to get more or less “clogged,” which can decrease its efficiency.
Small quarterly maintenance tasks are easily achievable, such as washing the outdoor unit of the heat pump (filters, fins, tubes, grills, and housing) with clean water and vacuuming it. An annual preventive maintenance by a professional is also required. This professional ensures the mechanical and electrical proper functioning of the heat pump, validates its efficiency, and thoroughly cleans it. This expert also conducts the examination and complete cleaning of the indoor units (every 3 to 6 years). These maintenance tasks are effective: they ensure that the device’s energy consumption does not increase over time, which would have meant increased costs for the same result.
Upgrading your system: VERY profitable
Heat pumps have been around for a long time. Older models were less efficient. For example, their energy efficiency ratio (EER or SEER in English) was around 8 or 10. Today, many meet the Energy Star standard, and some heat pumps reach an EER of 19. Therefore, upgrading your air conditioning system means changing your heat pump. This will result in significant energy savings. Because the best current air conditioning systems sometimes use 50-60% less electricity than air conditioners from the 1970s for the same level of cooling.
