When installed properly, heat pumps can be an efficient way to heat and cool your home. Many Mainers invest in them because of the sizable rebates available through Efficiency Maine. These systems depend on a well-sealed and -insulated home to perform at their best. If you’re planning on installing one, one of the best ways to maximize the benefits is to invest in air sealing and insulation before the unit is in place.
With proper weatherization, a heat pump can provide your family with reliable, cost-effective heating and cooling that saves you money all year-round.
Insulation and Air Sealing Improve Heat Pump Comfort
If you’ve ever used a forced air HVAC system, you’re likely used to the “blast” of hot or cold air that is produced when the system turns on. Heat pumps operate a little differently. The conditioned air they push out is released more slowly. The air might feel less hot or cold when it first comes out than what you’re used to. Forced air systems are designed to quickly heat or cool a space, whereas heat pumps are designed to provide more consistent, longer-term temperature regulation. This is why they’re so efficient.
With a forced air system, you can get by with inadequate insulation or air leaks. The initial blast of air is often powerful enough to cover up problems caused by poor insulation or air leaks (you’ll be wasting energy, but you’re less likely to notice comfort issues). But since heat pumps operate at a slower, steadier rate, air gaps and poor insulation have a greater negative effect on a heat pump’s performance. By insulating and air sealing beforehand, you can avoid this.
Overall, spray foam insulation is one of the best options because it allows you to insulate and air seal at the same time. If you’re just trying to improve insulation value, however, you can opt for other options like cellulose/wood fiber dense-pack in the walls, loose-fill cellulose in the attic, or batt insulation panels between studs.
The Heat Pump Will Work More Efficiently
The better insulated and sealed a home is, the more efficiently your heat pump will operate. Heated and cooled air will remain in the home for longer, allowing your heat pump to run less. This can help your family save a significant amount of money on your electricity bill. In fact, the EPA estimates that insulating and air sealing your home can help you save 15% on annual heating and cooling costs.
You likely decided to install a heat pump in the first place because of its energy efficiency. Ensuring that your home is well insulated and sealed before the unit goes in helps you maximize this efficiency.
With Better Insulation, You Can Install a Smaller Heat Pump Unit
A big advantage of insulating your home before adding a heat pump is that it may allow you to install a smaller unit. When we are deciding how big a heat pump you need, we assess your home’s total heat loss. The more leaky and less insulated your home is, the higher the heat loss. To compensate for this, a larger heat pump needs to be installed.
Unfortunately, when a heat pump is too big for a home, it short-cycles. This is when the heat pump turns on and off too quickly before fully heating or cooling the home. It can cause a variety of problems:
- Failure to remove moisture, which results in mold growth and comfort issues.
- More wear and tear on the system, causing more frequent repairs.
- Shorter system lifespan.
- Higher operating costs.
- Uncomfortable and inconsistent indoor temperatures.
When you invest in prior insulation, you lower your heat loss. As a result, you can install a smaller heat pump that is properly sized for your home. This helps you save a significant amount of money at the initial installation and throughout the years, without sacrificing any comfort.Learn More
Trusted as Central Maine’s Insulation Company
At Lakewood Home Energy, we take a building science-based approach to our insulation and air sealing work. We are highly skilled insulation contractors and energy auditors in Madison who can identify exactly where your home’s insulation is lacking, and make targeted improvements that ensure your new heat pump works as efficiently as possible.
Additionally, we are proud to be an official Residential Registered Vendor with Efficiency Maine. This means, when you partner with our local, family-owned company, you’ll be eligible for rebates of up to $8,000 or 80% of project costs.