What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is the outdoor portion of your central HVAC system. Unlike an air conditioner, heat pumps have a reversing valve that will reverse the flow of refrigerant giving it the ability to heat your home as well. This is recommended for total electric setups because of the high cost to run electric heat strips. They have limits to how cold it can be outside. In Oklahoma, heat pumps cost more to operate than gas furnaces.
Why are all Heat Pumps not created equal?
When purchasing an outdoor unit there are multiple variations.
Here are what we recommend you compare by:
- Compressor Type:
Single Stage, Dual Stage, or Variable Capacity. They get better in that order.- SEER Rating:
This is how efficiently the equipment operates. The higher the better- Tonnage:
As a general rule, outdoor units normally run 500-600 sq ft per ton. Oversized units cause short cycling which increases humidity. Smaller units don’t keep up. Get this right.- HSPF:
Unique to heat pumps, Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is how efficient it can heat your home. This correlates with a SEER rating
Lennox Air Conditioners
At TS Heat & Air we have over 30 years of experience. During that time we have been a dealer for several major manufacturers of equipment. For the last 10 years, we have been a Lennox dealer for two reasons: Price and Reliability. We are able to pass our savings onto our customers and we see the fewest manufacturer defects with Lennox. We can, however, install other brands as a licensed, bonded and insured company.
Meet our systems (we paired down what we recommend to make it easier):
Bronze Level
Merit Series 14HPX
This is our basic unit. This unit has a single-stage compressor and can get up to a 16 SEER and 8.2 HSPF efficiency rating. If you are solely looking at money this is your best bet.
Silver Level
Elite Series XP14
This is our mid-level unit. This unit has a single-stage compressor and can get up to a 16 SEER and 9.5 HSPF efficiency rating. The outside cage is a little more protected and it is quieter than the Merit series unit.
Gold Level
Elite Series XP20
This is where modern AC technology shows up. This unit has a variable-capacity compressor and can get up to a 20 SEER and 10 HSPF efficiency rating. The compressors ability to adjust its cooling and heating capability allows you to greatly reduce humidity in the home which results in increased comfort and reduced bills (a less humid 71 feels like a humid 68). This unit is also quieter than the XP14.
Platinum Level
Dave Lennox Signature XP25
If you want to be as comfortable as possible look into this unit. I want to preface this by saying you need the iComfort thermostat and a corresponding indoor unit to make this work, but it has the most precise temperature control available. It can adjust the humidity and temperature by 1% increments. It is quiet enough to have a normal conversation when you are standing next to the unit. Really if you are wanting the best money can buy this is it.