Potential Adjustments Needed For Your Heat Pump Installation

Having a heat pump installed is a smart move for your wallet and the planet. But here’s what those flashy brochures won’t tell you: your home might need significant adjustments before you can take advantage of this high-efficiency system. 

As many installers gloss over key preparation in their sales pitch, homeowners must know what they are getting into. Here, an expert in heat pump installation in Milford, NH, uncovers what you need to know before the installation crew arrives.

Electrical Readiness: The Foundation of Performance

Your electrical system might sabotage your heat pump’s efficiency. Many homes, especially those built before 2000, aren’t wired with these advanced systems in mind.

“I see it constantly. I see it so much that it’s becoming, in a way, an epidemic for us contractors. Some homes simply cannot support the heat pumps,” explains a master electrician and HVAC specialist.

Before heating installation day arrives, consider these critical electrical adjustments:

• Install a dedicated amp circuit for your heat pump
• Update outdated wiring that might not handle the specific load patterns
• Add surge protection to shield sensitive electronic components

Ductwork Modifications: The Hidden Necessity

If your home was built pre-2000s, your existing ductwork was likely designed for a traditional furnace. Unfortunately, this operates differently than a heat pump. This mismatch can lead to uneven heating, excessive noise, and premature system failure.

An HVAC design engineer notes: “Heat pumps deliver air at lower temperatures than gas furnaces but compensate with higher volume. Without proper ductwork adjustment, you’ll get lukewarm air and cold spots throughout your home.”

Key ductwork adjustments include:

• Increasing return air capacity to improve airflow
• Resizing supply ducts to handle the higher air volume
• Adding dampers for zone control capabilities
• Sealing all connections to prevent efficiency-killing leaks

Strategic Outdoor Unit Placement: Location Matters

Where your outdoor compressor unit is placed can impact energy consumption to system lifespan, as well as the noise it produces. This is a critical decision, and it’s best to approach this with your daily comfort and long-term operating costs in mind.

The Science of Optimal Placement

Your heat pump’s outdoor unit needs breathing room, too. Installers choose locations based on convenience rather than performance, forgetting that heat pumps require some protection from environmental hazards as well.

Consider these placement factors:

• Maintain minimum clearance distances (typically 24″ from walls and structures)
• Position away from bedrooms to minimize sleep disruption
• Install on the north or east side when possible to avoid direct afternoon sun
• Elevate in areas prone to snow accumulation or flooding
• Place on solid, level surfaces to reduce vibration and noise

Insulation and Air Sealing: The Efficiency Multiplier

Heat pumps expose weaknesses in your home’s thermal envelope. These vulnerabilities may have been masked by previous systems. Addressing these once you have a new heat pump installed is a boon for system performance.

“A heat pump in a poorly insulated home is like trying to fill a bathtub with the drain open,” says an energy efficiency consultant. “You’re paying to heat or cool air that’s constantly escaping.”

Prioritize the following after an installation:

• Professional energy audit to identify specific weaknesses
• Attic insulation upgrades to current recommended R-values for your climate zone
• Air sealing around windows, doors, and penetration points
• Duct sealing to prevent conditioned air from escaping into unconditioned spaces

Communicating with Your Installer: Questions That Matter

What you talk about with your installer matters, and it could be the key to improving the quality of service you get from the heat pump installers. Ask these crucial questions before committing:

• “What specific adjustments will my home need beyond the basic installation?”
• “Can you provide a detailed breakdown of all costs, including necessary upgrades?”
• “How will you ensure my existing ductwork is properly sized and balanced?”
• “What post-installation tests will you perform to verify proper operation?”

Heat Pump Success Starts With You

Thoughtful preparation is key to efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings. Be sure to address your electrical capacity, ductwork, configuration, outdoor unit placement, and insulation before or during the installation.

Don’t let inadequate preparation undermine your investment. By making the strategic adjustments we’ve outlined, you’ll set the stage for decades of superior performance.