Is a wall-mounted heat pump really economical?
The heat pump is a solution frequently adopted in homes to both heat and cool rooms. Its energy efficiency is often mentioned in shopping sites and blogs. Is a wall-mounted heat pump really economical? This is the question that we will answer through this article.
What is a heat pump and how does it work?
A heat pump is an appliance that heats in winter and cools in summer. Indeed, its design allows it to diffuse warm air during the cold seasons and to cool the interior of the houses during the hot seasons.
The wall-mounted heat pump consists of two interconnected units. One is installed on the wall inside your home, while the other is installed outside. The latter extracts the outside air, heats or cools it and expels it into the house through fans.
The heat pump is effective for heating in temperatures as low as -10 to -15°C. Below this limit, a boiler is required to adequately heat your property.
Energy savings depending on several factors
A wall-mounted heat pump can save up to 50% on your energy bills. However, this effectiveness depends on many factors, including the following.
Insulating your home
Insulation plays an important role in optimizing the performance of your heat pump. A poorly insulated home will experience temperature leaks, which will affect your energy efficiency. The first step is to evaluate your insulation before purchasing and installing a heat pump.
The outside temperature
As mentioned above, the efficiency of a heat pump is limited to an outdoor temperature not falling below -15°C. If the winter in your area is extremely harsh, causing the temperature to drop beyond this limit, a heat pump will be ineffective.
The size of your home
It is important to buy a heat pump that fits your home perfectly. A device that is too powerful will be expensive in terms of cost without being more efficient. If it is too small, it may not provide adequate heating or cooling for your home.
Regular maintenance is the secret to the efficiency and longevity of your wall-mounted heat pump
In order for a wall-mounted heat pump to perform effectively for many years, it is essential to maintain it regularly. In general, this type of device has a lifespan of at least 15 years.
To do this, you must clean the filters of the indoor unit frequently. Ideally, it should be done every 3 months. As for the outdoor unit, it tends to get clogged with dust, plant debris and insects can take refuge in it. Clean it with a low-pressure water jet to remove all dirt and small animals. Inspect it regularly to see if cleaning is necessary or not.