If you’re considering switching from a furnace to a heat pump, you should familiarize yourself with balance points. All heat pumps have a balance point. While you might be familiar with traditional heating specifications like British Thermal Units (BTUs) and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), you might not be familiar with balance points.
Balance Points Explained
A balance point is the outdoor temperature at which a heat pump reaches its heating capacity. The heat pump will struggle to increase the indoor temperature but since the outdoor temperature matches its heating capacity, the heat pump will continue to run but have little or no impact on the indoor temperature.
Some heat pumps have a balance point of 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Others have a balance point of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Balance Points Affect Heat Pumps
Balance points affect heat pumps by influencing their heating performance. Heat pumps can produce cool air, or they can produce warm air. To produce warm air, they’ll pull heat from the ground or air outside of your home. Heat pumps will then transfer or “pump” this heat into your home.
A heat pump’s balance point defines the lowest outdoor temperature at which it can warm your home. Several factors affect balance points, the main factor being the heat pump’s BTU. The higher a heat pump’s BTU, the lower its balance point will typically be.
Consider Supplementary Heating
If the temperature where you live regularly drops below that of your heat pump’s balance point, you may want to install a supplementary heating system. Supplementary heating systems serve as a backup. Rather than allowing your heat pump to run in excessively cold weather, you can switch to the supplementary heating system.
Some homeowners use an electric furnace as a supplementary heating system. They still rely on a heat pump for most of their home’s heating needs. When it’s particularly cold outside, though, they switch to an electric furnace.
Whether you use a supplementary heating system or not, you should consider the balance point when installing a heat pump. Some regions experience cooler winters than others.
Just be aware that when the temperature outside your home drops below the balance point, your heat pump won’t be able to keep up with your heating demands.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
