A number of innovations are improving the performance of heat pumps. Unlike standard compressors that can only operate at full capacity, two-speed compressors allow heat pumps to operate close to the heating or cooling capacity needed at any particular outdoor temperature, saving energy by reducing on/off operation and compressor wear. Two-speed heat pumps also work well with zone control systems. Zone control systems, often found in larger homes, use automatic dampers to allow the heat pump to keep different rooms at different temperatures. Some models of heat pumps are equipped with variable-speed or dual-speed motors on their indoor fans (blowers), outdoor fans, or both. The variable-speed controls for these fans attempt to keep the air moving at a comfortable velocity, minimizing cool drafts and maximizing electrical savings. It also minimizes the noise from the blower running at full speed. Some high-efficiency heat pumps are equipped with a desuperheater, which recovers waste hea...

An air-source heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling for your home. When properly installed, an air-source heat pump can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. This is possible because a heat pump transfers heat rather than converting it from a fuel like combustion heating systems. Air heat pumps have been used for many years in nearly all parts of the United States, except in areas that experienced extended periods of subfreezing temperatures. However, in recent years, air-source heat pump technology has advanced so that it now offers a legitimate space heating alternative in colder regions. For example, a study by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships found that when units designed specifically for colder regions were installed in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, the annual savings are around 3,000 kWh (or $459) when compared to electric resistance heaters, and 6,200 kWh (or $948) when compared to oil sy...

A heat pump's refrigeration system consists of a compressor and two copper or aluminum coils (one indoors and one outside), which have aluminum fins to aid heat transfer. In heating mode, liquid refrigerant in the outside coil removes heat from the air and evaporates into a gas. The indoor coil releases heat from the refrigerant as it condenses back into a liquid. A reversing valve, near the compressor, can change the direction of the refrigerant flow for cooling mode as well as for defrosting the outdoor coil in winter. The efficiency and performance of today's air-source heat pumps is a result of technical advances such as the following: Thermostatic expansion valves for more precise control of the refrigerant flow to the indoor coil Variable speed blowers, which are more efficient and can compensate for some of the adverse effects of restricted ducts, dirty filters, and dirty coils Improved coil design Improved electric motor and two-speed compressor designs Copper tubing, groo...

Heat pumps can have problems with low airflow, leaky ducts, and incorrect refrigerant charge. There should be about 400 to 500 cubic feet per minute (cfm) airflow for each ton of the heat pump's air-conditioning capacity. Efficiency and performance deteriorate if airflow is much less than 350 cfm per ton. Technicians can increase the airflow by cleaning the evaporator coil or increasing the fan speed, but often some modification of the ductwork is needed. See minimizing energy losses in ducts and insulating ducts. Refrigeration systems should be leak-checked at installation and during each service call. Packaged heat pumps are charged with refrigerant at the factory, and are seldom incorrectly charged. Split-system heat pumps, on the other hand, are charged in the field, which can sometimes result in either too much or too little refrigerant. Split-system heat pumps that have the correct refrigerant charge and airflow usually perform very close to manufacturer's listed SEER and HSPF. T...

WHAT BRAND OR MODEL SHOULD I INSTALL? The only way to get a meaningful recommendation is to set an appointment with the professionals at ecobay. When we come to your home, our heat pump experts will evaluate all aspects of your home and your preferences to recommend the right system for your needs and budget.   ISN’T IT TOO COLD HERE FOR HEAT PUMPS? That is a common misconception, but it is simply not true. They work more efficiently in a warmer climate, but more than 70% of our normal heating season is above 32 degrees (the record setting cold we have been experiencing so far this winter is obviously not the norm) so there is ample opportunity for savings. We can set up your system as “dual fuel” so your system automatically switches over from heat pump to your oil, propane, or natural gas system when needed.   DO THEY MAKE A MODEL FOR MY BASEBOARD OR RADIATOR HEAT SYSTEM? No, but there are options for you too. Ductless split systems and/or adding ductwork ...

A thermostat is the brains behind your home’s heating and cooling system, whether that system consists of a heat pump, furnace, boiler, or central AC. By monitoring and controlling the temperature in each part of your home, a responsive thermostat is key to keeping your home comfortable. And some thermostats can save you money. A smart thermostat can shave about 8 percent off your home’s heating and cooling bills, amounting to an average savings of $50 a year, according to Energy Star. (Some thermostat manufacturers claim those savings can reach $100 or more.) Of course, non-connected, programmable thermostats—which, according to the Energy Information Administration (PDF) are used in about 42 percent of U.S. homes—can also provide energy savings. But for years, the problem has been that they’re too difficult to program for many consumers. For that reason, Energy Star stopped certifying the entire product category in 2009. In fact, according to a study (PD...

The world of thermostats moves at a much slower pace than those of more popular electronics, such as smartphones and computers, but there are still some notable changes happening in the industry, especially around smart thermostats. Ecobay was a pioneer when its smart thermostats began using wireless remote temperature sensors, which can be placed in areas away from the thermostat to more accurately heat and cool rooms that might run too hot or too cold. Now, most new smart thermostats offer these sensors. There are also a handful of startups making smart air vents, which connect to select smart thermostats and redirect the airflow of forced air HVAC systems for better heating and cooling. For more information on wireless temperature sensors and smart air vents, check out our guide to getting the right temperature in every room of your home. Last, smart thermostats are becoming much more affordable. Google released a new Nest Thermostat model in 2020 that now costs $100, while smart ho...

At Consumer Reports, we’ve tested hundreds of thermostat models over the years. And while once upon a time they weren’t very accurate, most now are able to keep rooms close to the set temperature. It’s for this reason that we no longer test manual thermostats—all they do is hold a set temperature. With temperature accuracy a given, CR focuses our testing on ease of use—taking note of how simple each thermostat is to set up, program, read, and operate. For programmable thermostats, the ease of use testing is broken down into four aspects of the product experience: setup, ease of reading the display, programming, and manual operation. Our setup test evaluates how easy the thermostat is to configure for your HVAC system after physical installation, and our display test judges how well information is presented and how easy it is to read. The programming test looks at the number of steps it takes to create a heating and cooling schedule and the cues provided fo...

1. Decide whether you’re interested in a non-connected programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat. If all you care about is simple programming, a non-connected thermostat will suffice, and these models are much more affordable. If you’re interested in controlling your thermostat with your voice or an app, or letting it learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly, then you should consider a smart thermostat. To narrow your choices, factor in smart features (such as geofencing), price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style. 2. Consider your HVAC system. Nearly all of our tested models work on common heating and cooling systems, but check the packaging for exceptions. This is especially a concern with smart thermostats, because not all models support all types of HVAC systems. For example, the Nest Thermostat E doesn’t support two-stage heat pump systems, but the Nest Learning Thermostat does. And if you have separate heating an...

Once you’ve picked out the perfect thermostat for your home, check its price at online retailers and your local hardware stores. And don’t forget to check your local electric utility, which might have rebates or discounts on new thermostats. If you aren’t replacing a broken thermostat, the best time of year to buy one is October through December, when holiday and end-of-year sales will include thermostat discounts (even if they aren’t the greatest gift).   Ecobay has focused on thermostat research for 20 years, high-quality 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, Home Programmable Thermostats. We look forward to your consultation and cooperation.

Are Ecobay Smart Thermostats Worth It? Energy Conservation, Sustainable Energy   With the summer heat peaking right now, everyone is looking for creative ways to stay cool without breaking the bank. There are many ways to reduce your energy usage, even when it feels like heat is radiating at you from all directions. Consider the Ecobay smart thermostat.   Ecobay Smart thermostats have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, but are they worth the cost of investment? Put simply—absolutely. Once you’ve experienced the life-altering convenience of adjusting the temperature from the palm of your hand—whether you’re home or not—actually walking over to your thermostat to change it will feel primitive by comparison.   Ecobay Smart thermostats aren’t just an expensive convenience. About half of the average American electricity bill comes from heating and cooling alone, making climate control the single most significant contributor to...

How Do Ecobay Smart Thermostats Work? The good news is that Ecobay Smart Thermostats function just like regular thermostats. You can control the device via a smartphone app, but you can also use the touch-based interface on the device itself—just like on a traditional thermostat. Many people choose to adjust the temperature with the conventional controls as they become more accustomed with the app. This function also saves you from discomfort if you ever lose Wi-Fi (or misplace your phone) for an extended time, such as during a storm or scheduled maintenance in your area.     Can Ecobay Smart Thermostats Save You Money? Yes, they can—but how much and how quickly depends on your habits. With a Ecobay smart thermostat, those who have long been meticulous about finding ways to conserve energy might not see much of a difference in energy savings after a year, especially compared to the average A/C user.   If you’ve made a dedicated effort to reprogram ...