Where Are the Best Places to Put My Heat Pump?
Heat pumps have grown in popularity as an energy efficient way to both heat and cool a home. However, to get the most out of a heat pump’s performance, the placement of the indoor and outdoor units matters. So what’s the best place to put a heat pump to maximize its efficiency and effectiveness?
At Halco, we’ve installed our fair share of heat pumps and have put this guide together to help you understand the different types of heat pumps and the best places for each of them.
Different Types of Heat Pumps
All heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat instead of creating it, which is what makes them capable of heating your home in the winter and keeping it cool in the summer. There are a few different types of heat pumps and the way they collect heat varies slightly between them. Here are the most common heat pump types and how they work.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps look much like air conditioning units and are the most commonly used type of heat pump. They extract heat from the air and transport it in or out of your home—depending on where it’s needed—through a pressured line of refrigerant. Air source heat pumps are easy to install and work efficiently in upstate New York’s year-round climate.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps still use a pressurized refrigerant line to transport heat. However instead of capturing heat from the outside air like air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps gather and disperse heat using the earth below and around your property. The constant temperatures of the soil below the frost line offer a more efficient heat exchange, making geothermal heat pumps among the best heating and cooling systems on the market today.
To install a geothermal heat pump, the ground loops—where the refrigerant line runs—need to be buried 6 ft or more below the ground. This makes geothermal installation more complicated than air source heat pumps. Halco installs a variety of geothermal systems and can help you find the best option for your home.
Types of Indoor Units
There are two main types of heat pump indoor units, ductless and ducted. The method of transporting air varies between them as does the best placement location.
Ductless Heat Pumps
Ductless heat pumps, or commonly called mini split systems, are a type of air source heat pump. These systems use an outdoor compressor and a small air handler unit in the conditioned room. Mini split systems work well for older homes without existing duct systems and:
- Second floors
- Add-ons
- Bonus rooms
- She Sheds and ADUs
- Retrofitting
Ductless heat pumps require minimal construction, needing only a small hole through the wall to connect the indoor and outdoor units.
Ducted Heat Pumps
Ducted heat pump systems connect directly to your home’s existing ductwork. These systems are installed like traditional ducted HVAC— central air systems. Ducted heat pumps are simple to install in homes with a working duct system already in place.
Best Location For a Heat Pump
While the best place for heat pump installation varies by the type of heat pump and type of indoor unit, here are a few key points to consider for all of them.
Indoor Unit
Since the indoor unit is what delivers conditioned air into your home, it’s important to place it in a location where it can easily reach the entire room. In general, a heat pump’s indoor unit should also be installed on an exterior wall to make for an easy connection with the outdoor unit. Some other tips for placing an indoor unit are:
- Avoid electronics
- Easy maintenance access
- Do not place on angled or slanted walls
Outdoor Unit
The heat pump outdoor condenser plays an important role in the system’s efficiency and operation. The condenser uses a compressor to move heat in or out of the air before transporting it into your home. Here are a few key factors to consider when placing a heat pump condenser:
- Out of direct sunlight if possible
- Easy maintenance access
- Unobstructed airflow
Call Halco For Heat Pump Installation
As you can see, heat pumps are versatile. If you’re considering a heat pump and wondering which type or location is best for your home, call Halco. Our highly trained team is educated and experienced with heat pumps. We also carry the latest and most advanced in heat pump technology, with brands like:
No matter what type of heat pump you want to install, Halco can help you determine the best location for your indoor and outdoor units.
