If you are doing your research looking for the best priced, most inexpensive heat pumps around Phoenix, we at Green ID have put together a short list of heat pumps you can use as a quick reference. We understand that finding an inexpensive heat pump that lasts for years and saves money on your energy bills is a top priority. You’ll be glad to find inexpensive heat pumps from a variety of AC brands that don’t break your budget or compromise on quality.
Tips From A Heat Pump Contractor On Buying An Inexpensive Air Conditioning Unit
Here are a few tips help maximize your dollars to find the best priced, inexpensive heat pump for your home.
1. EER (pronounced “ear”) is more important than SEER in Arizona. SEER is how we measure the efficiency of the heat pump, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient it’s operation is and less you’ll spend on your energy bills. EER is almost exactly the same as SEER but it is how we measure the efficiency of how the heat pump operates at higher temperatures, like in Phoenix. The SEER rating is done in an air conditioned factory at 76 degrees, EER ratings are done at 95 degrees. You want the heat pump that performs well at higher temperatures, so ask about the EER rating of the system. Often times you can have two air conditioners that have the same SEER rating, but different EERs. If they are the same cost, you can claim more energy savings for free!
2. Don’t just consider a unit upgrade, discuss the whole house and see if it’s feasible to go with a smaller heat pump with a Manual J calculation and a home performance upgrade. Sometimes we can save a homeowner more money by upgrading the insulation, sealing the ductwork, and sealing all the leaks with a lower SEER, rather than spending more money upfront on a higher efficiency unit but not addressing the other attic issues. Another example would be having existing ductwork that’s designed to handle only 3 tons of air on a 4 ton system could be the cause of rapid aging of an air conditioner. Have an energy audit performed on your house by Green ID as part of the heat pump replacement scope can help save on upfront costs and operating costs.
3. Ask about rebates and current promotions. Often manufactures will have separate running promotions that bring down the cost of heat pumps and air conditioners. Sometimes the rebates come from manufacturers who are less known, but still have a good reputation for quality, where you can get a more efficient unit for the same price as a standard heat pump from a better known manufacturer.
5 Best Priced and Reliable Heat Pumps
We have installed and serviced each manufacturer on our short list of the 5 best priced heat pumps for the Phoenix market to ensure you are getting a well-made air conditioner at the best price. All of these heat pumps feature upgrades like rust resistance screws, hail protective guards and 10 year warranties.
#1 Trane XR14 | Trane’s inexpensive XR14 heat pump line is just as reliable as its higher end models. Efficiency ranges are SEER 14 – 14.5 and EER 11.0 – 12.0. Trane has an optional indoor air quality filter to cut down on household pollutants and dust. We service all Trane units, are certified Trane dealers and have seen minimal issues with the quality of their units. Learn more about Trane heat pumps here. |
#2 Carrier Comfort Series | Carrier features SEER rating up to 16 and features a quiet, low decibel sound. Carrier is a big advocate of its dealers to perform a load calc on your home to ensure the right size unit is installed to avoid call backs. At Green ID we always perform load calculations with our energy audits and never take short cuts that most contractors do which lead to high energy bills and hot rooms in the summer. Read more about Carrier heat pumps here. |
#3 Day and Night Performance Series | Day and Night heat pumps are very space friendly, often with a smaller footprint than other manufacturers for installations in tight areas. Day and Night has efficiency rating of SEER 14 – 14.5 and EER 11.5 – 11.7, with ultra quiet systems no lowers than a common hair dryer. Learn more about Day and Night heat pumps here. |
#4 Rheem Classic Series | Rheem requires all their dealers to perform a load calc on your home to ensure the right size unit is installed. At Green ID we always perform load calculations with our energy audits and never take short cuts that most contractors do which lead to high energy bills and hot rooms in the summer. |
#5 Frigidiarie’s F-Series | Frigidiarie’s F-Series' warranty is fantastic: if any major component is defective within 10 years of its installation, Frigidiare will replace the entire unit, not only the defective part. Efficiencies range from SEER 14 – 15 and EERs 11.5 – 12.5. Learn more about Frigidaire’s inexpensive AC units. |
Why Do I Need a Load Calculation?
When purchasing a new heat pump, it’s very important that a complete evaluation, or “load calculation” is performed. When doing this, a Green ID consultant will look at all factors that can affect the heat gain and loss of your home. Bigger is not better in the air conditioning and heat pump world. We take into account the size, shape, and orientation of your home, what type of insulation and how much you have is also important along with window size, type, quantity, and the directions they face. We will also perform a leakage test of the ductwork and air leaks.
By combining these and other factors, your Green ID consultant will evaluate what size unit your home requires. An over or under sized unit is one of the most common problems with any system; when a licensed Green ID technician performs a load calculation, you will have a more efficient system and a more comfortable home.
By combining these and other factors, your Green ID consultant will evaluate what size unit your home requires. An over or under sized unit is one of the most common problems with any system; when a licensed Green ID technician performs a load calculation, you will have a more efficient system and a more comfortable home.
Why Super Low Cost Heat Pumps Can Cost Homeowners In The End
At Green ID we say, the most important day of an air conditioning system’s life, is the first day it’s installed. You can be sure your heat pump installation will be done by following the best practices that may cost us more, but are the right thing to do to keep your heat pump running smoothly for years. We don’t take short cuts that save money to AC companies but end up costing the homeowner more on their energy bills and in the shortened life of its components.
We are here to help, click here to contact us or call (602) 926-1650 today.
We are here to help, click here to contact us or call (602) 926-1650 today.
