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Modern inverter heat pumps are able to vary their output according to the heating or cooling requirements at any given time.
Inverter heat pumps are able to vary compressor speed, EEV (electronic expansion valve) and outdoor unit fan speed to very accurately control heat pump energy efficiency and output.
Heat pumps are measured at a” rated capacity” fixed compressor speed some where in the mid frequency range generally.
Unlike an electric heater that just turns off and on, an inverter heat pumps output and efficiency will vary across it’s operational range. Just like a car, the harder the compressor has to run to achieve setpoint the more energy it will use.
This is why it is so important to select the correct sized heat pump for your application.
A correctly sized heat pump that is designed to deliver the correct output at the design ambient condition (look at NIWA data for your area) at rated capacity will deliver efficient and reliable performance for the end user.
Sizing heat pumps at maximum compressor output at H2 condition or below as some brands do is foolhardy at best and misleading at worst. A heat pump sized like this will fail to perform in low ambient conditions, will not be energy efficient and defrost far to often.
Under sizing of heat pumps is the single largest reason why consumers become dissatisfied with this product. Using a reliable known brand combined with a knowledgeable installation company will ensure reliable energy efficient performance over the life time of the heat pump for your clients.
