Heat Pump Systems
Cincinnati Hometown offers a wide variety of heat pump options. We install the highest quality systems that can provide precise low utility cost heating and cooling comfort operation thru high Seer Two stage units or just install standard single stage with standard efficiency.
Make sure to get an AHRI rating certificate to verify you are getting the efficiency you are promised.
Understanding Today's Heat Pump Technology
Heat Pump Efficiency Rating
Today's heat pump systems efficiency is rated by three ratings: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), Energy Efficiency Rating (EER), and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). The higher the number the more efficient the system is. In a cold climate such as Cincinnati, the HSPF is most important number to look into.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
is most commonly used to measure the efficiency of a central air conditioner. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. SEER measures how efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire season.
In technical terms, SEER is a measure of equipment the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat pump (in Btu) during the normal cooling season as compared to the total electric energy input (in watthours) consumed during the same period
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
is a measure of how efficiently a cooling system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (95oF). The higher the EER, the more efficient the system.
In technical terms, EER is the steady-state rate of heat energy removal (i.e. cooling capacity) by the product measured in Btuh divided by the steady-state rate of energy input to the product measured in watts. This ratio is expressed in Btuh/watt.
Heat Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
is the most commonly used measure of a heat pumps heating efficiency. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the heat pump.
In technical term, HSPF represents the total heating output of a heat pump (including supplementary electric heat) during the normal heating season (in Btu) as compared to the total electricity consumed (in watt-hours) during the same period. HSPF is based on tests performed in accordance with AHRI 210/240 (formerly ARI Standard 210/240)1.
Refrigerant in Today's Systems
All new residential systems today come with R-410a unless you go with a basic R-22 Dry-ship unit that is only allowed by law to be installed in limited situations. Due to the new refrigerant R-410a and new efficiency standards, when installing new outdoor condensing units, the indoor coils must match the condenser for proper operation. Cincinnati Hometown recommends only installing R-410a matched systems due to the fact that R-22 refrigerant continues to rise in cost the closer we get to the phase out of production of the refrigerant. Also only R-410a unit are available with higher efficiencies and quieter produced units.
Types of Heat Pump Systems
Next Generation- Variable/Modulating Capacity
Variable/Modulating Capacity Heat Pump systems are Next Generation Heating/Cooling Systems to the residential segment as of this writing in 2015. The compressor and fan motor modulate from 50% to 100% to match the need of the communicating thermostat to provide the best comfort. These are the most expensive units on the market but offer the highest efficiencies with the quietest operation. This will be the standard one day for the best comfort with lowest bills. Very new technology in the split system residential market. Limited availability from brands. Coming in the near future from Tempstar.
Best- Two Stage Capacity
Two stage capacity unit have been around a long time and up until recently were the best money could buy for the highest efficiency and comfort. Two stage units offer greater comfort due to having essentially two size units built into one unit. You get the benefit of the unit operating in low stage when the home needs less heating/cooling and then cycling to high stage on the fly when the need arrives. This cuts down on short cycles and when paired with the proper indoor unit provides better dehumidification than single stage units. This type of heat pump also works good with zone systems. Cincinnati Hometown recommends two stage units for great comfort and efficiency with the quietest operation.
Read more about Two Stage Capacity Units: 19 SEER SmartComfort ® TXT+ Two-Stage Heat Pumps Featuring The Observer ™Communicating System
Better- Deluxe Single Stage Units
This style Heat Pump is built with the same quality and efficiency rivaling two stage units only in a single stage offering. These units don't get quite as good efficiency as their two stage brothers. They also are very quiet when noise is a concern. Its operation is the same as most existing units which cycle on 100% until demand ends then cycles off. This can lead to short cycles when there is low demand and less DE-humidification.
Read more about Deluxe Single Stage Units:
Basic- Single Stage Units
This is the most economical system in upfront costs but is limited in the efficiency levels it can achieve. Its operation is the same as most existing units which cycle on 100% until demand ends then cycles off. This can lead to short cycles when there is low demand and less DE-humidification.
Read more about Variable/Modulating Capacity Units: SmartComfort ® TX 5300 Heat Pump.
Economy- Single Stage Units
This is the most striped down basic system designed at the lowest cost for new Construction or homeowners on a very tight budget. It lacks some self-protection devices to keep cost down. Economy units also lack sound damping to keep cost down. Its operation is the same as most existing units which cycle on 100% until demand ends then cycles off. This can lead to short cycles when there is low demand and less DE-humidification.
Read more about Economy Single Stage Units
Indoor Electric Air Handlers
Best – Communicating, Variable Speed Motor, TXV Coil
This Air Handler Design features Communicating controls that maintain your comfort thru precise control with the communicating thermostat. Thru its High Efficiency ECM full variable Speed motor Technology it is able to maintain proper comfort, efficiency and airflow year round. Variable speed Blower gradually and quietly modulates up to reduce uncomfortable temperature swings. The refrigerant flow is metered thru an automatic Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV) to maintain the highest efficiency cooling thru a wide range of Indoor and Outdoor Temperatures. Staged Backup/Emergency electric heat strips available for this model.
For more information on the FCM4X Air Handler: Fan Coil Featuring The Observer ™ Communicating
Better – Variable Speed Motor, TXV Coil
This Air Handler Design is very similar to the Top of the line Model, just lacks the Communicating controls. Thru its High Efficiency ECM full variable Speed motor Technology it is able to maintain proper comfort, efficiency and airflow year round. Variable speed Blower gradually and quietly modulates up to reduce uncomfortable temperature swings. The refrigerant flow is metered thru an automatic Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV) to maintain the highest efficiency cooling thru a wide range of Indoor and Outdoor Temperatures. Staged Back-up/Emergency electric heat strips available for this model.
For More information on the FVM4X Air Handler: Fan Coils.
Basic – ECM High Efficient Motor, TXV Coil
This Air Handler Design features a High Efficiency ECM motor made for energy saving at a lower cost than its brother with the variable speed EMC. High Efficiency ECM motor is a constant torque motor that lacks the modulation of a full variable speed EMC. The refrigerant flow is metered thru an automatic Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV) to maintain the highest efficiency cooling thru a wide range of Indoor and Outdoor Temperatures. Timed Back-up/Emergency electric heat strips available for this model.
For More information on the FVM4X Air Handler: Fan Coils.
Economy – ECM High Efficient Motor, Piston Coil
This Air Handler is the most stripped down economy model designed for New Construction or homeowners that have a very tight budget. It features a Basic High Efficiency ECM motor made for energy saving at a low cost. ECM motor is a constant torque motor that lacks the modulation of a full variable speed EMC. The refrigerant flow is metered thru Basic fixed Piston to keep cost down. Timed Back-up/Emergency electric heat strips available for this model.
For More information on the FEM4P Air Handler: Fan Coils.
Don't forget the thermostat can make or break the operation of the system, we offer quality thermostat options that can take advantage of all the system operations. Cincinnati Hometown does not recommend Big Box store thermostats as the functionality and quality is diminished to cut costs.
Each Air Handler has different blower fan motor types that can give even a more comfortable living space. Check the Blower Option page for details.
If you would like to know more about what would work best in your home, please contact us for a personal Comfort consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.