As one of the most popular heating systems, the heat pump is economical in electricity. Presenting many ecological advantages, it uses calories in the environment to cool or heat a home. This device is available in several models. To make the right choice, you can consider the following three criteria.
Choosing your heat pump using three criteria
The sound level
A heat pump is made up of noisy components, including the fan and the compressor. The noise level of this device varies from one model to another. For example, the indoor unit emits a noise of around 22 DB and the outdoor unit can produce noise pollution of 65 DB.
Generating acoustic discomfort, the noise emitted by a heat pump can disturb the occupants of the house and the neighbors. If you want to heat your home with this type of device, it is recommended to invest in a silent heat pump. Geothermal and hydrothermal heat pumps are considered to be the least noisy. The first captures calories in the ground while the second uses the energy contained in a water table. Consequently, the indoor unit including the compressor is perfectly insulated. As for aerothermal heat pumps, they generate significant noise. To make them silent, manufacturers have isolated the elements likely to emit noise pollution.
To ensure you can fully enjoy the thermal comfort provided by your heat pump, choose a model that complies with the NF 414 standard. The latter guarantees that the device is both silent and efficient. It is also advisable to have your heating equipment installed by a qualified professional. Indeed, a botched installation can generate annoying noises.
Power and dimension
To ensure the efficiency of your heat pump, it is important to check its size carefully. This determines the power of the device. Offering optimal thermal comfort, an oversized and powerful model is more expensive to purchase. In addition, its use leads to increased energy costs.
Conversely, a less powerful and undersized heat pump may seem economical. However, it does not effectively cover the energy needs of a home. Occupants risk losing comfort. Thus, the use of electric auxiliary heating becomes necessary. This can further inflate your electricity bills. It is therefore important to ensure that you choose the heat pump model that has the power corresponding to your needs.
To select the ideal size, you can request the assistance of a professional. By carrying out a thermal assessment of your home in advance, they will be able to offer you a discreet heat pump.
Performance indicators
The coefficient of performance (COP) is the most reliable indicator for assessing the efficiency of a heat pump (HP). It represents the ratio between the energy used and the energy produced by the device. It is recommended to choose a PAC with a COP of at least 3 to ensure maximum heat restitution in your home.
In addition, the coefficient of performance depends on the outside temperature. To obtain an accurate assessment, it is advisable to refer to the SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance). The latter offers a better indication of the performance of your heat pump by taking into account seasonal variations. It takes into account three types of climates: cold, hot, and temperate.
Finally, to maintain the performance of your PAC, regular maintenance is essential. Annual maintenance not only preserves the efficiency of the device but also extends its lifespan.
