Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine March 2024

HVACR NewsMagazine March 2024

Tech News

Folks administering funds distribution are interested in passing along as much revenue with the assumption modeling software and the government guidelines are all they need. Tax incentives only look at the prescriptive aspects of the application and have no expectation for performance. Heat Pump capacity and equipment capacity in general has little to do with the model number of the equipment. As SEER 2 and EER 2 number go up, capacity to manage the loads both sensible and latent go down. While heat pumps can be a viable alternative where fuels are limited or occupants are unwilling to deal with fluctuating market conditions, their application must be dealt with carefully. Where resistance (electrical) heating exists, then the change to a heat pump is a no brainer. A quick review of home construction that should meet criteria for a heat pump conversion is below. double pane windows , air sealed to a four or lower ACH, and meet updated code insulation levels for the area. Homes built prior to 2007, or built with crawl spaces, partial basements, older windows, or inferior insulation should never see a heat pump installed before the air changes are measured. Be aware of homes recently updated to include heat pumps where fuel switching has occurred. Cosmetics upgrades such as windows or siding alone can mean little for energy efficiency and heat pump compatibility. Anyone converting from fuel sourced heat to a heat pump, must understand the air changes of the structure are of paramount concern if the Homes must have

With the monies to be released across the country for HVAC upgrades and installations, there also comes the idea that conversion from fuel sources to electric is a viable way to clean up the planet. A couple of issues back, we discussed the pro and con for converting from fuel to electric. So why do I return to the issue? Organizations, utilities, privately owned HVAC companies are all pushing for conversions because of the revenue involved. Organizations, whether for profit or not, see an opportunity to grow their organizations. Utilities believe in the opportunity to influence customer behavior by accessing grants for their area. Finally, individual HVAC companies see the opportunity for a foot in the door with an increase in sales. Manufacturers recently have been placing an emphasis on construction quality prior to new installations or retrofit when applying heat pump technology, but everyone seems to be looking past the renewed awareness called for. You can be sure the manufacturers are not going to slow down sales by asking “are you sure this is the right application for this equipment?” Manufacturers are telling everyone they must be diligent when converting from fuel to Heat Pump. No one but the installing contractor is responsible, regardless of incentives offered. Heat Pumps, Capacity and Humidity Control- Inflation Reduction Act