Using an air to water heat pump can save a significant amount of energy, particularly in a cold climate. They are easy to install, maintain and are not noisy. They can also be used to provide space conditioning.
Air to water heat pumps are generally more efficient than their boiler and central air conditioning counterparts. The key to a successful installation is choosing the right unit for your home and local climate. You may be able to use a smaller unit if your home has good insulation. The sizing of the pump is based on the total square footage of the house, the insulation quality and the amount of air leakage.
The heat pump may be located in a utility room within the house. The unit itself may be small, wall mounted or connected to a forced air duct system. It is important to keep the unit clean and dry. The filter should be cleaned frequently. A clean heat pump will ensure maximum efficiency.
The best place to place an air to water heat pump is not in a tight or small space. In fact, an air to water heat pump can actually be used to replace a boiler. An air to water heat pump can also be used to provide hot water. It is important to install the pump properly. The water supply and the condenser should be in series. A typical condenser is 90-98.5% efficient, but this can vary depending on the type of unit used.
The heat pump might not have the same cooling output as a central air conditioner. However, an air to water unit can still provide cooling, especially in a hydronically heated house. In addition, air to water heat pumps provide heating and cooling in a single unit. Air to water units are also relatively low cost. You may also be able to qualify for a tax rebate on these energy saving products. This can be especially helpful if you have income or disability benefits.
An air to water heat pump can also be used to provide zoned heating and cooling. The unit will provide thermal energy for a hydronic distribution system, which will include a fan coil unit and radiant panels. You can choose a unit that will provide the most efficient heating and cooling or one that is more cost effective.
Air to water heat pumps are often paired with air source heat pumps, which offer similar benefits but are better suited for new builds. The benefits of an air source heat pump are less obvious in a cold climate. Using an air source heat pump will save you money in the long run, but it may be inefficient in very cold weather. For instance, the temperature of an air source heat pump will be lower than that of a heat pump, which is more efficient at transferring thermal energy to the air. The HSPF for an air source heat pump is calculated based on the local climate. It may or may not be relevant across Canada.