What Temperature Do Heat Pumps Stop Working in Ocean County, NJ?

HVAC experts often recommend heat pumps as an alternative to traditional furnaces and AC units as they conveniently heat and cool interior spaces. The main benefits of heat pumps include their energy efficiency and fewer repair bills. However, some people may wonder at “what temperature do heat pumps stop working” as some models struggle at or below freezing. 

Today, these expert HVAC contractors in Ocean County, NJ, will break down how heat pumps work, why some fail in cold temperatures, and how freezing temperatures can affect energy efficiency in your system.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Heat pumps work by transferring heat to the inside of a building or outside of it. The most common models in Ocean County, NJ, include air-source heat pumps, which pull heat from the outdoor air. Another common type of heat pump is a ground-source system, which draws heat from the ground and transfers it inside.

Both types of systems simply reverse this process to cool down a building, pulling heat from indoors and either transferring it into the ground or air outside. Because air-source pumps are the most common, we will break down their heating and cooling process.

First, air-source pumps pull hot air from outside and pump it into coils filled with refrigerant. A fan then blows the hot air from these coils into your home’s interior, thus heating the house.

To reverse this process and thus cool your building, heat pumps use a reversing valve. This valve simply changes the direction in which the refrigerant in the coils flows, pushing indoor heat outside. 

This process of heating and cooling compares to how refrigerators work. Both heat pumps and refrigerators use the Carnot cycle, which is how a net amount of heat flows in and out of the system. This process makes heat pumps highly energy efficient, as few electrical components (such as the fan and reversing valve) require power.

What Temperature Do Heat Pumps Stop Working in Ocean County, NJ?

This low-energy heating and cooling process means that most standard heat pumps stop working at 10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you have a heat pump, you may notice that your system begins to struggle when temperatures start to drop. Moderate to extreme cold causes difficulty because most standard systems lose energy efficiency below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Cheap air-source heat pump models start to lose efficiency (or stop working) during the New Jersey winter because they cannot absorb enough heat from the outdoor air to pump into your house. Thus, though heat pumps efficiently use energy (saving you money), cold weather can drastically impact their performance.

Top Three Heat Pump Models and Their Energy Efficiency

Though standard heat pumps may fail in cooler temperatures and weather conditions, property owners who do not wish to invest in backup heating systems do have alternatives. Manufacturers use the Coefficient of Performance or COP to measure the efficiency of a heat pump’s heat production based on how much electricity the system must use to produce said heating. To calculate the COP, one must divide the BTUs by the energy used.

Let’s look at three different types of heating models and energy efficiency statistics based on models from each category.

1. Standard Heat Pumps

Standard heat pumps make the least-efficient option and may stop working at below-freezing temperatures as manufacturers install backup electric heating strips to increase heat production in cold weather. Where standard models average 85-100% effectiveness at a temperature of 47 degrees Fahrenheit, their energy efficiency reduces to 0-33% at temperatures below 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Cold Climate Heat Pumps

These systems, known as ccASHPs or cold climate air-source heat pumps, perform well in cold temperatures. These heat pumps draw heat from the outside air, making their heat production more effective. However, this type of unit usually works in conjunction with another heating system.

3. Mini-Split Heat Pumps

Mini-split systems consistently perform better in cold temperatures. These units do not require electric backup strips like standard pumps to work in cold temperatures. For example, the Daikin MXL Aurora has a COP of 1-2.3 at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, producing 1-2.3 times more heat than the energy it took to gather that from the outdoors.

Reliable Heat Pump Installation and Repair in Ocean County, NJ

If you need heat pump services from qualified technicians in Ocean County, NJ, contact Eastern Shore HVAC. We specialize in servicing all HVAC systems, from gas furnaces to electric air conditioners. For more information on “what temperature do heat pumps stop working” or our HVAC services, call us at 732-800-9416 or fill out our convenient online form today! 

source https://easternshorehvac.com/blog/what-temperature-heat-pumps-stop-working/

2023 SEER Requirements in Brick Township, NJ

The energy efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is a critical concern if you’re a Brick Township, NJ, resident. Not only does an efficient air conditioner or heat pump save money, but it can also help reduce environmental impact. 

The U.S. Department of Energy establishes minimum efficiency requirements for air conditioners and heat pumps, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) requirements. The 2023 SEER requirements are significantly different than previous years’ rules. Eastern Shore Heating and Air Conditioning, the most experienced HVAC contractors in Brick Township, NJ, explains these changes and what they mean for local home and business owners looking to upgrade their equipment. 

What’s New in 2023 SEER Regulations 

The 2023 SEER requirements include two major changes to help reduce carbon emissions from air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. First, the new rules increase the minimum efficiency ratings for every region. Second, they introduce SEER2, a new method of ensuring energy efficiency.

The new requirements from the Department of Energy also increase the minimum threshold for heat, or the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF.) Because the current SEER and HSPF guidelines date back to 2010, most units currently in use in Brick Township are not likely to meet the updated requirements, even if they comply with the 2010 guidelines. Although the new standards do not mandate replacing existing equipment, they apply if you plan to invest in a new air conditioner or heat pump this year.

The New Energy-Efficiency Standards for Air Conditioners

The Department of Energy divides the country into three regions (Northern, Southeast, and Southwest) for purposes of SEER ratings. The new requirements increase minimum energy efficiency by 8% to 10%, depending on the region. New Jersey is in the Northern Region.

2023 SEER requirements mandate an increase from a minimum 13 SEER rating to a 14 SEER rating in New Jersey. This requirement applies to all air conditioners, including split systems. The Northern Region is the only region where HVAC companies can install equipment manufactured before January 1, 2023; property owners in all other regions can only install equipment manufactured after that date.

If your existing air conditioning system is a 13 SEER, upgrading to a 14 SEER will likely reduce your cooling costs by about 7%. If you already have a system that meets or exceeds the 2023 SEER requirements, upgrading will not make a measurable difference to efficiency. 

Understanding the SEER2 Measurement

The second part of the new SEER regulations for this year is a change in the method for calculating efficiency. The upgraded SEER2 calculations better reflect actual operating conditions to more accurately gauge the system’s efficiency.

To calculate SEER, divide the energy the air conditioner or HVAC unit uses in an hour by the number of BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat it removes from the air in that time. Because conditions vary, manufacturers test their products at various temperatures and humidity levels to determine their overall efficiency. 

The SEER2 uses the same calculation but also accounts for static pressure, or the resistance to airflow. The higher the static pressure, the harder the air conditioner works to push air through the ducts and cool rooms. This means the unit has to stay on longer, using more energy.

The SEER2 calculation increases the standard static pressure from 0.1 to 0.5, which better reflects normal operating conditions. The minimum SEER2 rating for an air conditioner in Brick Township is 13.8, which is equivalent to SEER 14. 

Heat Pump Requirements 

As mentioned, the efficiency requirements for heat pumps also changed in 2023. Starting this year, the minimum HSPF rating for a heat pump increases to 8.8 HSPF from 8.2 HSPF.

This is also the first year for HSPF2, which also accounts for static pressure. The minimum HSPF2 rating for a heat pump is 7.5. 

Talk to Eastern Shore Heating and Air Conditioning About Upgrading Your HVAC 

If your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifespan and you’re thinking about replacing it with a more energy-efficient option, turn to Eastern Shore Heating and Air Conditioning for Brick Township’s most reliable air conditioning services. We can help you compare options that meet 2023 SEER requirements and install the most energy-efficient equipment to ensure indoor comfort and lower utility bills. 

To learn more about minimum efficiency requirements and get a free estimate for a new air conditioner, heat pump, or other HVAC equipment, fill out our convenient online form. You can also speak to a team member by calling (732) 800-9416.

source https://easternshorehvac.com/blog/2023-seer-requirements/