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Heat Pumps
Get the most from your heat pump - choose premium installation
A high efficiency heat pump is an energy-efficient heating and cooling solution when installed and maintained properly. If you’re investing in a high-efficiency heat pump, consider premium installation to ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency and delivers the greatest energy savings possible. Premium installation includes:
- Heat pump optimization
- Duct testing and sealing
Heat pump optimization, completed with CheckMe!® diagnostic testing, ensures that your heat pump is operating at peak efficiency and working with air ducts as an integrated system. Optimization can reduce energy costs, increase comfort and extend the life of your heat pump. This is important when new heat pumps are installed and as part of periodic maintenance.
CheckMe! technicians test the following elements to maximize heat pump performance:
Refrigerant charge – Electronically measure for leaks, moisture build up and overcharging to prevent improper system operation and compressor failure
Air flow – Test air flow to identify any problems caused by dirty inside coils, closed registers or inadequate duct system sizing or operation
Controls – Verify that thermostats and other controls are operating correctly. Rewiring is sometimes performed to ensure efficient performance. Outdoor thermostats are installed when appropriate.
To ensure your new or existing heat pump is optimized, contact a CheckMe! certified trade ally contractor.
If your ducts are leaky and let hot or cold air escape, you’re wasting energy and money. Testing and sealing your ductwork can trim your energy costs, make your home more comfortable and reduce indoor air pollution.
To test and seal ducts, a specially trained contractor conducts a blower door test in your home to determine the amount of air leaking from your ducts. The leakage is measured in cubic feet of air leakage per minute (CFM).
If your ducts are leaking, the contractor seals the leaks and conducts a second blower door test to determine the CFM reduction.
Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives for heat pump optimization and for duct testing and sealing, plus a bonus incentive if you do both when installing a premium-efficiency heat pump.
