Heat strips on a heat pump are a crucial component that provide supplementary heating when the outdoor temperature drops below a certain threshold. These electric resistance heaters, typically ranging from 3 to 25 kilowatts (kW) in size, are installed within the air handler unit of a heat pump system. They serve as a backup or emergency heat source, ensuring your home stays warm even when the heat pump alone cannot effectively heat the space.
Understanding the Role of Heat Strips
Heat pumps are designed to efficiently transfer heat from the outside air into your home, using a small amount of electricity to power the compressor and move the heat. However, when the outdoor temperature falls below a certain point, typically around 32°F (0°C), the heat pump’s efficiency and heating capacity start to decline. This is where the heat strips come into play.
The heat strips are activated to supplement the heat pump’s output, providing additional heating to maintain the desired indoor temperature. They can be used simultaneously with the heat pump or as the sole source of heat, depending on the outdoor conditions and the heating demands of the home.
Sizing Heat Strips for Your Home
The size of the heat strips required for your heat pump system is determined by several factors, including the climate, the square footage of your home, and the heating load. Typically, heat strips come in sizes ranging from 3 kW to 25 kW, with the larger sizes suitable for larger homes or colder climates.
To determine the appropriate size of heat strips for your system, consider the following guidelines:
- Climate: Homes in colder climates will generally require larger heat strips to compensate for the lower outdoor temperatures.
- Home Size: Larger homes with higher heating demands will need larger heat strips to effectively heat the space.
- Heating Load: The heating load of your home, which takes into account factors like insulation, windows, and air leaks, will also influence the size of the heat strips required.
It’s important to consult with a professional HVAC technician to ensure the heat strips are properly sized for your specific heat pump system and home.
Measuring Heat Strip Performance
To assess the performance of your heat strips, you can use the formula:
Volts x Amps / 1000 = Heat Strip kW
This formula allows you to calculate the kilowatt (kW) output of the heat strips based on the actual voltage and amperage measurements taken at the heat strips. Once you have the kW output, you can then convert it to British Thermal Units (BTUs) using the following conversion:
kW x 3413 = BTU
This conversion can help you understand the heating capacity of your heat strips and ensure they are providing the necessary supplementary heat when needed.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Proper maintenance of your heat pump system, including the heat strips, is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Regular inspections, cleaning, and testing of the heat strips should be part of your HVAC maintenance routine.
If you suspect issues with your heat strips, such as reduced heating output or unexpected cycling, it’s important to have a qualified HVAC technician diagnose and address the problem. Common issues may include:
- Faulty heating element
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Thermostat or control system malfunctions
- Wiring or connection problems
Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the efficiency and reliability of your heat pump system, ensuring your home stays comfortable even during the coldest winter days.
Conclusion
Heat strips on a heat pump are a vital component that provide supplementary heating when the outdoor temperature drops. Understanding their role, sizing, and performance measurement can help you ensure your heat pump system is operating at its best and keeping your home warm and cozy throughout the winter months.
Reference:
– What to Know About Heat Strips for Residential Heat Pumps
– Where are the aux/em coils/strips located? Does my system have them?
– Measure Heat Strip Performance
Hello…I am Manjula Sivapuri. I have completed my graduation in Chemistry. Currently working as a Chemistry Subject Matter expert in LambdaGeeks. My keen interest in chemistry has brought me to this platform to share my knowledge on the subject. I hope my work will make you understand the topics well.
Connect me via LinkedIn