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Tech Tips:

Design and Performance Challenges of Air-Source Heat Pumps Across Diverse Climatic Conditions

This tech tip was inspired by Alex Meaney and Ed Janowiak’s session at NCI’s High-Performance Summit 2025: “Good Design Isn’t a Buffet: The Importance and Interconnection of Manuals J, S, and D.” Alex is a building science expert who worked at Wrightsoft (now MiTek) for several years before launching his consulting firm, Mean HVAC Consulting […]

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HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

This comprehensive episode dives deep into one of the most critical yet misunderstood concepts in HVAC: balance point calculations for heat pump systems. Jim and Bryan break down the complexities of dual fuel systems, explaining why proper sizing and balance point calculations are essential for both comfort and efficiency. The discussion moves beyond basic definitions to provide practical guidance that contractors can immediately apply in the field.

The conversation begins with fundamental principles, emphasizing that heat pumps must be sized for cooling loads rather than heating loads to avoid moisture problems and ensure optimal performance. The hosts clarify the crucial distinction between dual fuel systems (where it’s either the heat pump or backup fuel source) versus supplemental heat systems (where both can run simultaneously). This difference drives entirely different installation approaches and system configurations.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the two types of balance points that contractors encounter: capacity balance point and economic balance point. The capacity balance point represents the outdoor temperature at which the heat pump can no longer meet the heating demand, and backup heat must engage. The economic balance point, while more complex to calculate, determines when it becomes more cost-effective to run backup heat instead of the heat pump based on fuel costs and equipment efficiency.

The technical discussion includes practical applications using modern thermostats like the Sensei Touch 2, which offers programmable balance point settings and lockout features. Jim introduces Copeland’s new Equipment Interface Module (EIM), which simplifies heat pump retrofits by utilizing existing two-wire systems while maintaining full functionality, including balance point control and A2L refrigerant safety compliance.

Key Topics Covered

Load Calculations and System Sizing – Why heat pumps must be sized for cooling loads, not heating loads, and the critical role of Manual J calculations in dual fuel applications
Dual Fuel vs. Supplemental Heat Systems – Technical differences between systems where backup heat replaces the heat pump versus systems where both operate simultaneously
Capacity Balance Point Calculation – Step-by-step methodology for determining when backup heat engagement is necessary based on equipment capacity versus heating load
Economic Balance Point Analysis – Complex calculations involving fuel costs, equipment efficiency ratings, and coefficient of performance (COP) to optimize operational costs
Installation Constraints and Safety – Why coils cannot be installed upstream of gas furnaces, head pressure concerns, and proper placement of electric heat strips
Thermostat Programming and Controls – Advanced features in modern thermostats including outdoor temperature sensors, lockout settings, and automated balance point management
Equipment Interface Module (EIM) – New technology for simplifying heat pump retrofits using existing wiring while maintaining safety compliance for A2L refrigerants
Coefficient of Performance (COP) – Understanding efficiency metrics and why heat pumps typically outperform electric resistance heat until extremely low temperatures
Practical Field Applications – Real-world scenarios, common mistakes, and troubleshooting approaches for balance point issues
Copeland Resources – Mobile apps and tools, including Copeland Scout for compressor replacement and WR Mobile for controls and thermostats

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