HOMEOWNER RESOURCES
How do heat pumps perform?
Inverter-driven heat pumps have variable speeds and can modulate to match your home’s heating and cooling needs. They have a high gear for faster recovery speed, and lower gears for steady operation and tighter control. Single and two-speed heat pumps have only one or two speeds, meaning less efficiency and often overshooting the thermostat signal. You might think of single and two-speed heat pumps like a teenager learning to drive and toggling between slamming the gas pedal and slamming the brakes.
Heat pump performance
Depending on how well a heat pump modulates to match your home’s heating and cooling needs, it can be classified as: 1) single speed (good), 2) two-speed (better), or 3) variable speed (best).
Single speed: This means the heat pump runs full ON or is OFF. With these models, your system turns ON at 100% capacity and then OFF until your thermostat or control system reaches the temperature setting you have selected. While the least expensive initially, these systems tend to result in temperature swings, and also are the least efficient.
Two speed: These systems allow for two levels of modulation — a low capacity one to handle a smaller demand and a larger one to meet heavier demands. If conditions exist that 100% capacity is not required, the system can operate at the lower speed, offering part-capacity to reach your desired indoor temperature.
Inverter-driven variable speed: Inverter technology allows the system to run at the speed that maximizes both comfort and energy-efficient operation. An inverter-driven variable speed system is designed and engineered specifically to provide the output needed at the lowest consumption of power. By providing slow constant heating and cooling, the these systems maintain constant temperature in your home for maximum comfort.
In addition to temperature control, benefits of modulating equipment include:
1) Better indoor air quality by circulating more air through your air filters and around your home;
2) More effective dehumidification, which prevents mold, mites, and pests in your home to increase building longevity; and
3) Quieter operation by adjusting airflow to be more consistent and meet the exact demands of your home.
HOMEOWNER RESOURCES
EDEN Home Basics
Heat pumps vs. ACs: What's the difference?
If you are considering a system to cool your home, both heat pumps and air conditioners will do the job. However, a heat pump will also provide highly efficient heating during the winter as well.
What is a heat pump and why should I upgrade?
A heat pump provides all-in-one heating and cooling for perfect year-round comfort. Not only that, it operates more than 3x efficiently compared with a standard furnace.
Heat pumps vs. furnaces: What’s the difference?
Heat pumps and furnaces heat your home – but in different ways. The most significant difference between furnaces and heat pumps is that furnaces create their own heat.