Electric, energy efficient heat pumps can both heat and cool your home, using a fraction of the energy that more traditional HVAC systems do. But there are a number of different options for heat pump installation to consider.
Choosing the right location is crucial to proper heat pump installation and maximizing the efficiency and performance of your new all-in-one heating and cooling solution. Let’s explore how and where different kinds of air source heat pumps can be installed in your New Jersey or Pennsylvania home.
Where Should a Heat Pump’s Outdoor Unit Be Located?
All air source heat pumps have an outdoor unit, which is responsible for drawing heat from the outside air in the winter to warm the indoors, and removing heat from inside the home in the summer to keep you cool.
These outdoor units come in different shapes and sizes. Some of them look very similar to the outdoor condenser unit of a central AC system and are installed on a concrete slab on the ground. Others are smaller and mounted on brackets attached to the side of your home.
No matter what kind of outdoor unit you have, it should be:
- Clear of obstructions to allow for air intake and exhaust
- Protected from extreme weather conditions (out of direct sunlight if possible)
If installed using mounted wall brackets, you’ll also want to make sure there are several inches of space between the unit and the side of the house or wall. Optimal placement helps to reduce wear and tear, cutting down on potential maintenance or replacement costs.
Choosing the Right Location for Indoor Ductless Mini Splits
The main difference between ducted heat pumps and ductless mini split heat pumps has to do with the indoor unit, also called the air handler. For ducted heat pumps, the air handler connects directly to your home’s ductwork and is installed in the same location that a furnace or indoor central AC unit would be.
But for ductless mini split systems, the indoor air handlers, called cassettes, are installed directly in the rooms or areas of your home they’ll be providing comfort to. Where you place mini split cassettes can have a big effect on their performance and your overall comfort.
Key Factors for Mini Split Placement
- Position them high on the wall for unobstructed airflow
- They need to be located on an exterior wall
- Ideally, mini split cassettes should be placed in a central living area for even air distribution
Princeton Air: Your Expert Local Heat Pump Installer
Princeton Air can provide expert advice on the most effective and cost-efficient placement of your new heat pump system, based on your specific needs and home design. Our installation team is specifically trained to help you maximize your heat pumps for years and years of high performance and energy efficiency.
Optimal placement of your heat pump system, whether a ducted system with a hybrid heat pump or a ductless mini split, can significantly influence efficiency, performance, and lifespan. For the best results, talk to the premier heat pump installer in central New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania!
