Addendum To ASHP Guide of Worked Examples

Addendum to the
AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP

SIZING AND SELECTION GUIDE
8 Worked Examples of Ducted and Ductless ASHP Applications
Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Acknowledgements:
The Addendum to the Air Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide was developed in
response to industry requests for worked examples that step mechanical system designers and
contractors through the Sizing and Selection process described in the Guide.
Technical content of this Addendum to the Guide was developed by Terry Strack of Strack &
Associates Ltd. and Jeremy Sager of NRCan / CanmetENERGY.
NRCan wishes to thank all those who assisted with the review, editing and final development of
this Addendum to the Guide, Bruce Harley Energy Consulting LLC., Bfreehomes Design Ltd.
(and partner Service Organisations across Nova Scotia), Cross Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd.,
Bowser Technical, Yukon Department of Energy, NRCan / Office of Energy Efficiency -
Equipment Division, as well as Jérémie Leger, Sébastien Brideau, Amr Daouk, Martin Kegel
and Justin Tamasauskas of NRCan / CanmetENERGY. The development of this Guide was
managed by Jeremy Sager of NRCan / CanmetENERGY.
Funding for this work was provided by Natural Resources Canada through the Program of
Energy Research and Development as well as through the Office of Energy Efficiency,
Equipment Division.
Disclaimer:
Neither Natural Resources Canada nor any of its employees makes any warranty express or
implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or
usefulness of its contents. Reference in the report to any specific commercial product, process,
service or organization does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation
or favouring by Natural Resources Canada. The views and opinions of authors expressed in this
report do not necessarily state or reflect those of Natural Resources Canada.
Funding for this work was provided by Natural Resources Canada through the Program of
Energy Research and Development as well as through the Office of Energy Efficiency,
Equipment Division.
Open Government License
https://open.canada.ca/en/open-government-licence-canada
Aussi disponible en français sous le titre :

« Addenda au Guide de sélection et de dimensionnement des thermopompes à air» au Canada
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural
Resources, 2020
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................................... vi
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1
Example A1: Full System Replacement: Converting a Furnace and A/C to a Furnace and ASHP
(“Hybrid / Dual-Fuel” System) using “Sizing Option A” (Sized for Cooling) ................................... 5
Example A2: ASHP Add-on: Single-Zone Ductless Add-On to an Electric Baseboard & Wood
Stove Heating System using “Sizing Option A” (Sized for Cooling) ............................................ 12
Example B1: Full System Replacement: Converting a Furnace and A/C to a Furnace and ASHP
(“Hybrid / Dual-Fuel” System) using “Sizing Option B” (Balanced Heating & Cooling) ...................... 20
Example B2: ASHP Add-on: Single-Zone Ductless Add-on to an Existing Electric Baseboard
Heating System using “Sizing Option B” (Balanced Heating and Cooling) .................................... 26
Example C1: Full System Replacement: Converting a Furnace and A/C to a Furnace and ASHP
(“Hybrid / Dual-Fuel” System) using “Sizing Option C” (Emphasis on Heating) ............................... 33
Example C2: ASHP Add-on: Single-Zone Ductless Add-on to an Existing Electric Baseboard
Heating System using “Sizing Option C” (Emphasis on Heating)................................................ 39
Example D1: New HVAC System: A Centrally Ducted Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump as the only
Heating System using “Sizing Option D” (Sized on Design Heating Load)............................................... 47
Example D2: ASHP Add-on: Multi-Zone Ductless Add-on to an Existing Electric Baseboard
Heating System using “Sizing Option D” (Sized on Design Heating Load) ............................................ 52
APPENDIX 1 – Fraction of Total Annual Heating Above an Outdoor Temperature for Climate Zones in
Canada .......................................................................................................................................... 60
APPENDIX 2 – References ............................................................................................................... 62
List of Tables
Table 1: Manufacturers’ Performance Data for Candidate Centrally-ducted Heat Pumps using
“Sizing Option A” ............................................................................................................................. 6
Table 2: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Ductless Heat Pumps using “Sizing
Option A” ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 3: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Centrally-ducted Heat Pumps using
“Sizing Option B” ........................................................................................................................... 21
Option B” ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Table 5: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Centrally Ducted Heat Pumps using
“Sizing Option C”........................................................................................................................... 34
Option C” ....................................................................................................................................... 42
Table 7: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Centrally-ducted Heat Pumps using
“Sizing Option D”........................................................................................................................... 48
Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Addendum to the Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide – Worked Examples iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table 8: Energy Model values of Heating and Cooling Loads for various areas, or zones within
the home ....................................................................................................................................... 53
Table 9: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Multi-zone Ductless Heat Pumps
using “Sizing Option D” ................................................................................................................. 54
Table 10: Indoor unit Types and Capacities used in the mini-split, multi-zone ASHP application
....................................................................................................................................................... 57
List of Figures
Figure 1: Overview of the ASHP Selection and Sizing Process .................................................... 2
Figure 2: Air-Source Heat Pump Selection and Sizing Guide ....................................................... 3
Figure 3: The "ASHP Key Specifications Summary Worksheet" ................................................... 3
Figure 4: ASHP Selection and Sizing Spreadsheet Tool ............................................................... 4
Figure 5: "Worked Example" – Mini-split, Multi-zone, Add-on ASHP ............................................ 4
Figure 6: Performance Curves & Balance Point Temperatures for 3 ASHP Choices for Sizing
Option 4A ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 7: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example A1 ................ 9
Figure 8: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example A1 ....... 11
Figure 9: Two-storey house floor plans with Targeted Areas circled .......................................... 12
Figure 10: Type and location of the Indoor units in the two Targeted Areas ............................... 13
Figure 11: Performance Curves & Balance Point Temperatures for 3 ductless ASHP Choices
using Sizing Option 4A .................................................................................................................. 16
Figure 12: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example A2 ............ 18
Figure 13: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example A2 ..... 19
Option 4B ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 15: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example B1 ............ 24
Figure 16: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example B1 ..... 25
Figure 17: Two-storey house floor plans with Targeted Areas circled ........................................ 26
using Sizing Option 4B ................................................................................................................. 30
Figure 20: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example B2 ............ 31
Figure 21: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example B2 ..... 32
Option 4C ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Figure 23: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example C1 ............ 37
Addendum to the Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide – Worked Examples iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Figure 24: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example C1 ..... 38
Figure 25: Two-storey house floor plans with Targeted Areas circled ........................................ 39
using Sizing Option 4C ................................................................................................................. 42
Figure 28: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example C2 ............ 45
Figure 29: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example C2 ..... 46
Figure 30: Variable-Capacity ASHP Performance with Sizing Option 4D (Sized on Design
Heating Load) ............................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 31: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example D1 ............ 50
Figure 32: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example D1 ..... 51
Figure 33: Floor plans for House with location and type of indoor unit shown ............................ 52
Figure 34: Add-on Multi-zone ASHP Performance using Sizing Option 4D targeting the full
house load..................................................................................................................................... 55
Figure 35: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example D2 ............ 58
Figure 36: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example D2 ..... 59
Figure 37: Fraction of Total Annual Heating Curves for Five Climate Zones in Canada ............ 60
Figure 38: Climate Zone Assignments for Heat Pump Applications ............................................ 61

Addendum to the Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide – Worked Examples v
GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
Add-on system: Adding HVAC equipment to a pre-existing system.
AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Dimensionless ratio used to indicate the fuel
conversion efficiency of a furnace as a percentage. A 96% AFUE furnace will output 96 Btu of
useful heat for 100 Btu of fuel consumption. A 96% AFUE, 50,000 Bth/h gas furnace will have a
heat output of 48,000 Btu/h (i.e., 50,000 x 0.96 = 48,000).
AHRI: Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
ASHP: Air source heat pump
ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.
Auxiliary back-up heating system: A backup heating system needed if/when the heat pump
cannot provide enough heat for the building (i.e., furnace, electric baseboard, etc.)
Balance point temperature (BPT): See “Thermal balance point”.
Btu: British Thermal Unit equivalent to 0.293 watt-hours, or 1,055 Joules of energy content.
Btu/h: British Thermal Unit per hour (sometimes written as Btuh), used to rate the output or
capacity of heating or cooling equipment. One Btu/h is equivalent to 0.293 watts of capacity.
CC-ASHP: See “Cold-Climate” ASHP
Centrally Ducted ASHP: A system that uses an outdoor and indoor evaporator/condenser unit
to transfer heat from outside to the inside of a building, and vice-versa, via a forced air
distribution system.
CEE: Consortium for Energy Efficiency
Climate Zones: Regions that have a similar number of heating degree days (HDD) in the
heating season. Canada is subdivided into six climate zones (i.e., Zones 4, 5, 6, 7A, 7B and 8)
with HDD values range from < 3000 HDD (Zone 4) to ≥ 7,000 HDD (Zone 8). These climate
zones are developed and managed by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 169 and are widely referenced
in energy performance ratings procedures and standards.
Climate Zones for ASHPs: Climate zones developed specifically for the CSA EXP-07 “Load-
based climate-specific testing and rating procedures for heat pumps and air conditioners”.
Canada is subdivided into five ASHP climate zones described as: Marine, Cold/dry, Cold/humid,
Very cold, and Subarctic. These climate zones are referenced throughout this Guide.
Cold-climate ASHP: An alternative to traditional air source heat pump heating/cooling systems
that is effective (i.e., maintains capacity and COP) even at cold ambient temperatures. (For
further details, refer to NEEP’s Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pump Specification
https://neep.org/ASHP-Specification). Note that the ability of the system to maintain capacity at
cold outdoor temperature should also be considered when determining if a system is a suitable
“cold-climate ASHP”. See NEEP’s Cold Climate Air-Source Product List to assist in this regard
available at the link above.

Addendum to the Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide – Worked Examples vi
GLOSSARY
COP: Coefficient of Performance. The COP is a measure of a heat pump’s efficiency. It is

determined by dividing the energy output of the heat pump by the electrical energy needed to
run the heat pump, at a specific temperature. The higher the COP, the more efficient the heat
pump. This number is comparable to the steady-state efficiency of oil- and gas-fired furnaces.
CSA: Canadian Standards Association
CSA F280 Load Analysis: Provides a calculation method for determining the heat loss and
heat gain of residential buildings for selecting the appropriate output capacity of a space heating
/ cooling appliance or group of appliances.
Cut-off Control: A control device that restricts the operation of a heat pump or backup heating
system to a predetermined range of outdoor temperatures.
Cut-off Temperature: The outdoor temperature, below which the operation of an air source
heat pump is restricted by an outdoor temperature control, and full backup heating is used to
heat the building or target zone. The cut-off temperature value can be determined by either a
“low-temperature cut-off limit” of the heat pump equipment, or by an “economic cut-off
temperature” that is determined by energy prices and equipment efficiencies.
For backup heating systems, the cut-off temperature is the outdoor temperature above which
the backup heating system is restricted from operating, usually set at the balance point
temperature for the ASHP installation.
Design cooling load (DCL): Is the amount of heat to be removed from the house to maintain
its desired indoor temperature (i.e. 75°F or 25°C) at the CSA F280 design conditions for cooling
at the house location. DCL includes both the sensible and latent cooling loads.
Design heating load (DHL): Is the amount of heat required for the house to maintain its
desired indoor temperature (i.e. 72°F or 22°C) at the CSA F280 design conditions for heating at
the house location.
Dip-switch: Manual electric switches in a standard Dual In-line Package (DIP) located on an
electronic control board to select different options or control settings.
Distribution/Branch box: Component that divides the refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the
multi-zone indoor units.
Dry-bulb Temperature (DBT): DBT is the temperature of air measured by a thermometer freely
exposed to the air, but shielded from radiation and moisture. DBT is the temperature that is
usually thought of as air temperature.
Dual-fuel ASHP system: A central system which combines an electric heat pump and a fuel-
based furnace to provide heating/cooling to a building.
Ductless Mini-Split ASHP: A system that uses an outdoor evaporator/condenser unit to
transfer heat from outside to the inside of a building, and vice-versa, via an indoor air handling
unit. A single-zone ductless mini-split ASHP uses one indoor air handling unit to heat/cool one
room or zone. A multi-zone ductless mini-split ASHP uses multiple indoor air handling units to
heat/cool multiple rooms or zones. The maximum number of indoor units that can be connected
is determined by the specific outdoor unit specification, and can range from 2 to 8.

Addendum to the Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide – Worked Examples vii
GLOSSARY
Economic Balance Point Temperature (e-BPT): Outdoor temperature at which it is

economically desirable to switch from the air source heat pump to a back-up heating source. It
is determined based on estimated costs of heat delivery by the air source heat pump versus the
back-up system. Calculation of the economic cut-off temperature requires the cost of electricity,
cost of backup system fuel, heat pump COP, backup system efficiency and outdoor
temperature.
Economic Cut-off Temperature: See Economic Balance Point Temperature (e-BPT)
Economic Switch-Over Temperature: See Economic Balance Point Temperature (e-BPT)
EER: Energy Efficiency Ratio. The EER is the ratio of Btu of cooling delivered to watt-hours of
electricity consumed at a specific temperature. It is used to indicate the steady-state cooling
efficiency of a heat pump or air-conditioner. Nominal EER ratings are quoted at 95°F (35°C).
Higher EERs indicate higher cooling efficiency.
Energy Audit: A systematic evaluation of the energy needs of a building.
Forced-air Distribution System: A system of supply and return air ductwork used to distribute
conditioned air throughout the building.
Fraction of Total Annual Heating: The amount of heating that the ASHP will deliver without
the use of back-up heating. The fraction of annual heating above a given outdoor temperature
is calculated for each climate zone by first referencing the fraction of heating degree days
occurring in a given temperature bin (Refer to “Climate Zones for ASHPs). These “bin fractions”
are multiplied by the heating hours to arrive at heating degree hours for a given temperature bin.
The heating degree hours occurring in each temperature bin are then divided by the total
heating degree hours for that climate zone to arrive at the fraction of total annual heating. The
fraction of total annual heating above a given outdoor temperature is calculated by summing the
annual heating fractions starting from 0 at 60F to the total heating degree hours at -23F and
below (the lowest temperature bin). A curve of total annual heating above a given outdoor
temperature is then created for each climate zone (Figure 22). A vertical line associated with an
ASHP’s balance point temperature can then be charted against the total annual heating above a
given outdoor temperature curve to estimate the fraction of total annual heating that system will
accomplish for that climate zone.
Heat/Energy Recovery Ventilator: A heat exchange system that exchanges heat between the
stale exhaust air (from the building) and the outdoor fresh supply air (to the building) to reduce
heating/cooling demands associated with ventilation needs of the building.
Heating Degree Days (HDD): HDD are the number of degrees of temperature difference
between a base temperature (usually 18.3°C) and the mean daytime outside temperature on
any given day. For example, if the mean temperature for the day is 12°C, 6 HDD (18°C – 12°C
= 6 HDD) will be recorded. The total number of HDD over the heating season indicates the
relative severity of the winter for a specific location.
HSPF: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. The HSPF is the ratio of Btu of heating
delivered to watt-hours of electricity consumed over the heating season. It is used to
characterise the performance of electric heating equipment over a typical heating season. A
higher HSPF rating indicates a higher efficiency. HSPF ratings for ASHPs vary by “Climate
Zone”.
HOT2000: Energy simulation and design tool for low rise residential buildings.
Addendum to the Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide – Worked Examples viii
GLOSSARY
HRAI: The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute

HVAC: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Hybrid ASHP system: see Dual-fuel ASHP System.
Hydronic heating system: A heating/cooling system that uses water as a medium for heat
transfer.
Kilowatt or kW: One kW is equivalent to 3,413 Btu/h.
Kilowatt-hour or kWh: One kWh is equivalent to 3,413 Btu or 3,600 kJ
Load line: A representation of the heating/cooling load of a building as a function of outdoor
temperature.
Low-temperature cut-off: Outdoor temperature below which the air source heat pump is
restricted from operating.
Low-stage Performance: Performance of a two-stage/variable capacity air source heat pump
at its lowest capacity.
LPG/Propane: Liquefied petroleum gas. Propane is classified as LPG along with butane,
isobutane and mixtures of these gases.
NEEP: Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
Performance curve: A representation of the output capacity of a heat pump as a function of
outdoor temperature.
Retrofit: Modernising the HVAC system of a building
SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating is the ratio of Btu of cooling
delivered to watt-hours of electricity consumed over the cooling season. It is used to
characterise the performance of electric cooling equipment over a typical cooling season. A
higher SEER rating indicates a higher efficiency.
Single-stage ASHP: An ASHP that has a single-stage compressor, which can only operate at
full capacity.
Switch-over point: The point at which a hybrid/dual-fuel system switches from using the air
source heat pump to using the backup heating system.
Target area load: Heating or cooling load for a specific area of a building required to meet a
desired temperature.
Target output capacity: The output capacity required from a heat pump to meet heating or
cooling requirements of a building.
Thermal boundary: The physical barrier that separates the interior and exterior of the building
and controls its heat transfer.
Thermal Balance Point Temperature (t-BPT): The temperature at which the heating load line
intersects the air source heat pump capacity curve. (i.e., point where heating load of the building
matches the heat pump’s output capacity). Above the t-BPT, the heat pump is capable of
meeting the buildings heating requirements. Below the t-BPT, the heat pump may not be

Addendum to the Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide – Worked Examples ix
GLOSSARY
capable of meeting the buildings heating requirements and a backup heating system will be
required.
Total Cooling Load: The total cooling load is the sum of the sensible and latent cooling loads
for the building or target area under consideration.
Turn-down Ratio: In a two stage, multi-stage or variable capacity ASHP, this is the ratio of
maximum capacity to minimum capacity (e.g., 3:1). ASHPs with higher turn-down ratios will
operate without cycling for a greater proportion of the heating season, increasing their seasonal
efficiency.
Two-staged ASHP: An ASHP that has a two-stage compressor, which can operate at two
different levels, low-stage or high-stage, depending on the capacity needed.
Variable-capacity ASHP: An ASHP that has a compressor which can operate at different
levels, depending on the capacity needed. CC-ASHPs are often equipped with variable
capacity driven compressors.
Watt or W: One W is equivalent to 3.413 Btu/h.
Wet-bulb Temperature (WBT): WBT is the temperature read by a thermometer covered in
water-soaked cloth (wet-bulb thermometer) over which air is passed, and is used to measure
the relative humidity or moisture content of the air. At 100% relative humidity (RH), the WBT is
equal to the dry-bulb temperature (DBT). At lower RH values the WBT is lower than the DBT of
the air.

Addendum to the Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide – Worked Examples x
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Purpose
The Air Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide is intended for use by mechanical
system designers / renovation contractors to assist them in selecting and sizing air source heat
pumps (ASHP) for Canadian climates in both new and existing residential (i.e., retrofit)
applications.
Scope
The focus of this Guide is on air source heat pumps (ASHP) for space heating and/or cooling
applications.
This guide covers the following applications of ASHPs:
 New home (or major new addition) installations.
 Full heating system replacement where existing HVAC equipment is removed.
 Add-on ASHP applications to displace heating energy or provide supplemental heating
where existing heating equipment remains functional.
This guide covers the following technologies:

 Ducted and ductless ASHPs
 Single-zone and multi-zone centrally ducted ASHPs
 Single-zone and multi-zone ductless mini-split ASHPs
 Single-zone and multi-zone ducted mini-split ASHPs
 Single-capacity ASHPs
 Staged and variable-capacity ASHPs
 Cold-climate ASHPs.
Exclusions:
 Installation best practices and requirements are outside the scope of this Guide.

Addendum to the Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing and Selection Guide – Worked Examples 1
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW OF THE AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP

SIZING AND SIZING PROCESS
An overview of the ASHP sizing and selection process is
shown graphically in Figure 1.
The process consists of seven steps which can be grouped
into four major parts:
I. Define key ASHP requirements (STEPS 1 to 4);
 Define ASHP Configuration.
 If required, choose mini-split indoor unit types.
 Determine heating and cooling loads.
 Determine sizing approach and ASHP target
capacity requirements.
II. Identify candidate ASHPs matching key

requirements, and make final ASHP choice
(STEP5);
III. Define system control strategy (STEP 6); and,
IV. Define back-up heating requirements (STEP 7). Figure 1: Overview of the ASHP Selection
and Sizing Process
Components of the ASHP Sizing and Selection Process

The ASHP Sizing and Selection Process is supported by the:
1. ASHP Sizing and Selection Guide, also referred to as the “Guide”, available as a
separate PDF download;
2. ASHP Key Specifications Summary Worksheet, also included with the Guide
(as Appendix B), or available as a separate PDF download;
3. ASHP spreadsheet tool to assist users in completing the step-by-step guide process,
available as an Excel workbook download; and,
4. Worked examples of using the Guide to select either centrally ducted or ductless mini-
split ASHPs for various installation scenarios, (i.e., this document).
Users can complete the guide process by using one or more of these components. Short
descriptions of each are provided on the following pages.
NOTE TO DESIGNERS AND CONTRACTORS: “Fast-tracking” ASHP Selection and Sizing

Experienced designers / contractors can quickly complete the ASHP selection and sizing process by using:
 The “ASHP Key Specifications Summary Worksheet” to direct the process and record
information and option selected, and
 The “ASHP Spreadsheet Tool” as a calculating and plotting aid.
The full ASHP Guide can consulted on an as-needed basis to provide additional information as required.

INTRODUCTION
1. ASHP Sizing and Selection Guide

This seven-step Guide provides sizing and sizing instructions, and information on various
options for both centrally-ducted and mini-split ASHPs.
 Complete each step of the Guide in the order shown to

select and size an ASHP for a specific application.
o Each STEP provides the user with 3 to 4 options.
o Short descriptions of each option help users select
which one “best fits” specific application requirements.
o Chosen options are recorded on the ASHP Key
Specifications Summary Worksheet (see 2 below).
 Use the information recorded in Steps 1 to 4 to identify a
short list of commercially available ASHP models that are
suitable for the specific application.
 Final ASHP selection can be based on such items as:
o Staging or modulation capabilities,
o Efficiency ratings,
o Noise ratings, and Figure 2: Air-Source Heat Pump
Selection and Sizing Guide
o Equipment cost.
 In the final two steps, define:
o The ASHP system control strategy, and
o The backup heating requirements.
2. ASHP Key Specifications Summary Worksheet

The ASHP Key Specifications Summary Worksheet can be used in one of two ways:
 Together with the ASHP
Guide as a summary sheet
that records decisions made
while working through the
seven steps using the full
Guide documentation; or,
 As a stand-alone worksheet
that experienced users can
complete to select and size
an ASHP, referring to the full
Guide documentation only
when additional information is
required.
Figure 3: The "ASHP Key Specifications Summary Worksheet"

INTRODUCTION
3. ASHP Spreadsheet Tool

This Excel-based tool
examines the Guide steps to
assist designers or contractors
in selecting and sizing air-
source heat pumps (ASHP) in
Canadian climates.
The ASHP spreadsheet tool

will perform various
calculations and charting
functions that can be used to
help select and size ASHPs.
These include: Figure 4: ASHP Selection and Sizing Spreadsheet Tool
 Plotting of heating load lines, and estimating the target output capacity of ASHP
equipment needed for an application based on:
o load values entered, and
o sizing approach selected.
 Plotting of ASHP output characteristics versus outdoor temperature, and estimating
thermal balance point temperatures (t-BPTs) for up to four candidate ASHPs for an
application.
 Estimating the annual fraction of total space heating load provided by the different
candidate ASHPs above their t-BPTs to help with final selection.
 Calculating the minimum backup heating requirement for the application.
 For dual-fuel applications, calculating the “economic cut-off temperature” for the ASHP
based on:
o local cost of electricity and fuel, and
o the efficiency characteristics of the ASHP and the backup heating system.
4. Worked Examples of Using the ASHP Guide
Worked examples have been completed for both centrally-ducted and ductless mini-split ASHPs
using various sizing and selection scenarios.
 These example cases

illustrate how the Guide
process works and
have been prepared to
help users better
understand the various
decision steps when
selecting ASHPs for
different applications.
Figure 5: "Worked Example" – Mini-split, Multi-zone, Add-on ASHP

EXAMPLE A1: Selecting a Centrally Ducted, Single-Stage ASHP Using Sizing Option A
Example A1: Full System Replacement:

Replacing a Furnace and A/C with a Furnace
and ASHP (“Hybrid / Dual-Fuel” System)
using “Sizing Option A” (Sized for Cooling)
Background
An existing house has a central forced-air heating system that consists of a standard efficiency
natural gas furnace and a central air conditioner. Both need to be replaced.
The client is interested in installing a high-efficiency natural gas furnace with an air-source heat
pump to primarily provide cooling and allow some heating in shoulder seasons when the cost of
heat from the heat pump is lower than the cost of heat from the natural gas furnace.
The house location has design temperature conditions of -4°F (-20°C) for heating and 88°F
(31°C) for cooling.
STEP 1: Define ASHP Configuration

Use OPTION 1A: Centrally Ducted ASHP
STEP 2: Skip Step 2 when using OPTION 1A: Centrally Ducted ASHP
STEP 3: Determine Design Heating and Cooling Load Estimates
The house has had an Energy Audit completed and the report is available from the homeowner.
None of the recommended upgrades have been made to the home or HVAC system since the
audit was done.
Use Option 3B: Energy Audit Load Estimates.
The audit report states:
If you were to implement ALL of the building envelope retrofits recommended …, it is estimated that
your home's design heating load would be 43,641 Btu/h and its design cooling load would be
23,519 Btu/h (2.0 tons).
Since the upgrades were not implemented, the reported design heating load (DHL) will need to
be adjusted to back out the assumed building envelope improvements. The reported design
cooling load (DCL) will not need to be adjusted. The report also states:
You could save up to 12% by performing all of the recommended non-space heating system upgrades.
This means the reported design heating load in the audit report is 88% of the actual value
(i.e. 100% minus the 12%). Therefore, the actual design heat loss for the house is equal to:
Design Heating Load = 43,641 Btu/h / 0.88 = 49,592 Btu/h

Based on the audit report, the house has estimated design loads of about:
Heating (DHL): 49,600 Btu/h at a design temperature of -4°F (-20°C);

Cooling (DCL): 23,500 Btu/h at a design temperature of 88°F (31°C).

Calculated maximum airflow capacity of existing duct system:
The existing supply ducting has four supply trunks / ducts off the furnace plenum:
 One rectangular at 8 inches deep by 22 inches wide.
 Two round at 6-inch diameter, and
 One round at 5-in diameter.
Using equations 1a and 2a from the Guide:
Maximum Airflow Capacity (CFM) = (8 x 22) x 6.25 + (62 + 62 + 52) x 4.91 = 1576 CFM
The maximum airflow capacity of the existing duct system is estimated as 1,576 CFM.
STEP 4: Determine Sizing Approach and Capacity Requirements of ASHP

The most appropriate option is:
 OPTION 4A: Emphasis on Cooling, and
Sizing Criteria: 80% to 125% of design cooling load; (DCL is 23,500 Btu/h at 88°F (31°C))
 Target Cooling Capacity Range is cooling of 18,800 Btu/h to 29,400 Btu/h [equation 3]
STEP 5: Identify and Select ASHP Matching Key Requirements

The contractor has screened a number of possible ASHP systems and has identified three
centrally ducted heat pumps for the application, with cooling capacities that fall within the Target
Cooling Capacity Range. These are listed in Table 1 with the manufacturer’s data showing
cooling capacities at an outdoor temperature of 95°F (35°C).
Note that cooling capacities at 95°F (35°C) outdoor temperature may be used for initial
screening purposes as this information is commonly available in manufacturers’ summary
listings. If extended performance data is available, use capacity ratings at an outdoor
temperature close to the design temperature for the site.
Table 1: Manufacturers’ Performance Data for Candidate Centrally-ducted Heat Pumps using “Sizing Option A”
Number Nominal High / Low High / Low High / Low Heating High / Low
Model of Capacity Cooling Capacity Heating Capacity Capacity at 17°F Cooling
Stages (tons) at 95°F at 47°F (Btu/h) Airflow
(Btu/h) (Btu/h) (CFM)
ASHP1-CD-
1-stage 2.0 22,400 23,200 12,600 800
24-1
ASHP2-CD- High: 22,200 High: 24,000 High: 15,000 High: 875
2-stages 2.0
24-2 Low: 16,700 Low: 16,600 Low: 10,500 Low: 637
ASHP3-CD- Variable High: 22,300 High: 23,600 High: 15,200 High: 720
2.0
24-V capacity Low: 14,700 Low: 13,700 Low: 8,800 Low: 540
Note: Indoor Conditions: 75ºF (24°C) dry bulb temperature and 63°F (17°C) wet bulb temperature

Using manufacturers’ extended performance data, heating and cooling performance curves for
the three possible ASHP systems are plotted in Figure 6 versus outdoor temperature together
with the house load characteristics.
 The maximum cooling characteristics are very similar for the three different ASHPs.
 Airflow requirements for the three ASHP are well below the maximum airflow capacity of
the existing duct system (i.e., 1,576 CFM).
 The heating characteristics for the 2-stage and variable capacity units are almost
identical, with the single-stage unit output slightly less at outdoor temperatures below
about 47°F (8°C)
 The thermal balance point temperatures (t-BPT) for the three 2-ton ASHPs are:
o ASHP1: 37°F (3°C);
o ASHP2: 35°F (2°C); and,
o ASHP3: 34°F (1°C).
Figure 6: Performance Curves & Balance Point Temperatures for 3 ASHP Choices for Sizing Option 4A
Estimated Turn-down Ratios

The following analysis provides estimates of the turn-down ratios of the ASHPs being
considered.
Using the high stage and low stage cooling capacities specified in the manufacturer’s
performance tables, the turn-down ratios for the ASHPs considered are:
 ASHP 1: N/A (single stage)

 ASHP 2: 22,200 / 16,700 = 1.33:1
 ASHP 3: 22,300 / 14,700 = 1.52:1

Estimated Annual Heating Fractions provided by the Candidate ASHPs

The following analysis provides estimates of the relative annual heating performance of each of
the ASHPs under consideration.
 From the climate zone map (see Appendix 1 of this document) it is determined that the
house is located in the “Cold-Humid” climate zone.
Using the thermal balance point temperature (t-BPT) for each system shown in Figure 6 the
“Fraction of Total Annual Heating” that can be delivered above the t-BPTs were estimated for
the “Cold-Humid” climate zone.
The results are summarized below:
ASHP1: 2.0-ton, single-stage; t-BPT = 37°F (3°C) Fraction of Annual Heating above t-BPT = 22%
ASHP2: 2.0-ton, two-stage; t-BPT = 35°F (2°C) Fraction of Annual Heating above t-BPT = 27%
ASHP3: 2.0-ton, variable capacity; t-BPT = 34°F (1°C) Fraction of Annual Heating above t-BPT = 30%
The fraction of total heating expected to be delivered above the thermal balance point
temperatures ranges from 22% and 30%.
The client decided on ASHP1, the 2 ton, single-stage heat pump on the basis of its lower first
cost.
Heat Pump Performance Summary for the chosen model, ASHP1-CD-24-1

Cooling:
 Cooling output at design temperature is about 23,100 Btu/h, or 98% of the design load.
Heating:
 Thermal balance point temperature is about 37°F (3°C)
 Low-temperature cut-off is -5°F (-21°C), which is below the design temperature.
 The Fraction of Total Annual Heating provided by ASHP above the thermal balance
point temperature is estimated at 22%.
STEP 6: Define the ASHP Control Strategy

Following the decision tree shown in Figure 7:
1. The chosen heat pump is shown as capable of operating to -5°F (-21°C), which is just
below the design temperature of -4°F (-20°C).

2. The client has asked that the system control switch from ASHP heating to 100% backup
heating whenever the cost of heat from the ASHP exceeds the cost of heat from the new
high-efficiency natural gas furnace.
Figure 7: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example A1
Control Strategy 6B2 is chosen with an “economic cut-off” or “economic balance point
temperature” (e-BPT) to full backup heating based on an outdoor temperature. Refer to
Appendix A of the “Air-Source Sizing and Selection Guide” for a full description of how to
determine the e-BPT.
The following summarizes the information for this example:
 The variable cost of electricity delivered to the site is $0.10 / kWh;
 The variable cost of natural gas delivered to the site is $0.333 / m3;
 The efficiency (i.e., AFUE) of the new natural gas furnace is 95%; and,
 The conversion factor for natural gas is 10.36 kWh / m3.
Using Equation 6 from the Guide, a COPmin value is determined for the ASHP as:
𝑽𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 × 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒖𝒑
𝑪𝑶𝑷𝒎𝒊𝒏 = × 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 [Equation 6]
𝑽𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑭𝒖𝒆𝒍
COPmin equals $0.10 / kWh times 0.95 divided by $0.333 / m3 times 10.36 kWh / m3
COPmin equals 3.0

Using the manufacturer’s extended performance tables for the 2-ton ASHP selected in STEP 5,
it is determined that the ASHP will have a COP of 3.0 or more at outdoor temperatures of 35°F
(2°C) or warmer. (Refer to Appendix A in the Guide for details).
The “economic balance point temperature (e-BPT)” would be set within the ASHP controls
to disable ASHP operation at outdoor temperatures below 35ºF (2°C). Below this temperature
all heating will be provided by the natural gas furnace.
 With a centrally ducted “hybrid” or “dual-fuel” system, the ASHP and fuel-based furnace
cannot operate simultaneously, but rather are operated in sequence, one at a time.
 A single, multi-stage indoor thermostat sequences the operation of both the ASHP and
natural-gas furnace.
o At outdoor temperatures above the e-BPT, the thermostat will first bring on the
ASHP to satisfy a “heating call”, and only turn off the ASHP and bring on natural gas
furnace backup heating if the “heating call” cannot be satisfied by the ASHP.
o At outdoor temperatures below the e-BPT, ASHP operation is disabled, and the
thermostat will bring on the natural gas furnace to satisfy the heating call.
STEP 7: Define Back-up Heating Requirements

Since the old HVAC system is being removed, a NEW backup heating system is required.
Backup heating will be provided by a high efficiency, natural gas furnace that will be controlled
by a multi-stage thermostat which will turn the heat pump OFF when the furnace is operating.
1. Type of Installation: Full heating system replacement;
2. ASHP Operation Restricted at Low Temperature: Yes, ASHP restricted by chosen
control strategy (i.e., Option 6B2).

Figure 8: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example A1
Back-up Heating Option 7A is required.

 The output capacity of the furnace must equal or be greater than 100% of the design
heat load (DHL) value of 49,600 Btu/h, and be capable of supplying an airflow of 800
CFM needed by the ASHP at the operating static pressure of the existing duct system.
The natural gas furnace chosen is a 60,000 Btu/h input furnace with an AFUE of 95%. Output
capacity is 57,000 Btu/h, or 115% of the design heating load of the house. The furnace has a
maximum airflow rating of 1,200 CFM which will be able to deliver the airflow required by the
chosen ASHP.

EXAMPLE A2: Example of Selecting Ductless Mini-split Add-on ASHPs Using Sizing Option A
Example A2: ASHP Add-on: Single-Zone

Ductless Add-On to an Electric Baseboard &
Wood Stove Heating System using “Sizing
Option A” (Sized for Cooling)
Background
An existing 2-storey house has an electric baseboard heating system and no air conditioning.
Some space heating is also provided by a wood stove, which is used during the coldest periods
of the heating season.
The client is interested in installing one or more ductless air-source heat pumps (ASHP) to
primarily provide cooling and allow for some heating in shoulder seasons when the wood stove
is not being used. The baseboard heating system will remain functional and provide backup
heating for the ASHP.

The house floor plan is shown below. The key occupied areas within the home are the main
floor kitchen and family room, and the master suite/on-suite bath room and office on the second
floor. These two areas are the target areas for the ASHP installation.
Figure 9: Two-storey house floor plans with Targeted Areas circled
Use OPTION 1B: Ductless Mini-split, Single-zone, Add-on ASHPs

 Two units required: one for the main-floor target area and another for the second-floor
target area.
STEP 2: Choose Indoor Unit Type(s) for use with Ductless Mini-Split ASHP
The indoor unit types selected to service the two target areas are:
 The second-floor area will use a compact ducted unit (Option 2D) installed in the attic
space near the attic access hatch and will be ducted to the various rooms as shown in
Figure 10.
 The main-floor area will use a wall-mount unit (Option 2A) installed on the exterior wall of
the family room to service primarily the family room and kitchen. Some heat will circulate
to the dining room and living room through the open doorways that link the rooms.
Figure 10: Type and location of the Indoor units in the two Targeted Areas

audit was done.
23,519 Btu/h (2.0 tons).


Based on the audit report, the whole house has estimated design loads of about:
Heating: 49,600 Btu/h at a design temperature of -4°F (-20°C);
Cooling: 23,500 Btu/h at a design temperature of 88°F (31°C).
Target Area Load Estimates

Room-by-room heat loss / heat gain values were not available. Also, because the existing
heating system sized to meet the DHL is remaining in place, target area load estimates based
on floor area are acceptable. Target area loads are estimated here by proportioning the whole
house load values by the floor area of the target areas as follows:
 Second-floor target area consisting of master bedroom, on-suite bath, hall and office has
a floor area of about 1,130 square-feet
 Main-floor target area consisting of family room, kitchen, living room and dining room,
has a floor area of about 1,130 square-feet
 The total finished area of the house, including the basement is about 3,300 square-feet.
Since the two target areas are the same size, each will have similar load values. The target area
loads are estimated as:
Heating (DHL): 49,600 x 1,130 / 3,300 = 17,000 Btu/h at a design temperature of -4°F (-20°C);
Cooling (DCL): 23,500 x 1,130 / 3,330 = 8,000 Btu/h at a design temperature of 88°F (31°C).

 OPTION 4A: Emphasis on Cooling, and
for each of the two target areas within the house.

ductless mini-split heat pumps for the application, with cooling capacities that fall within the
Target Cooling Capacity Range. These are listed in Table 2 with the manufacturer’s data
showing rated cooling capacities at an outdoor temperature of 95°F (35°C), and rated heating
capacities at 47°F (8°C) and 17°F (-8°C).

Table 2: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Ductless Heat Pumps using “Sizing Option A”
Number Rated Rated Max / Min Rated Turn- Rated Rated

Model of Cooling Cooling Cooling Heating down Heating Heating
Stages Efficiency Capacity Capacity Efficiency Ratio Capacity at Capacity
(SEER) at 95°F at 95°F (HSPF) at 95°F 47°F at 17°F
(Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h)
ASHP1- Variable Max: 10,200
15.00 9,000 10.0 2.48 10,200 9,000
MS-09-V capacity Min: 4,100
ASHP2-NS- Variable Max: 12,100
19.40 9,000 12.0 3.18 15,000 10,800
09-V capacity Min: 3,800
ASHP3-LS- Variable Max: 12,200
28.20 9,000 11.8 3.39 15,900 10,200
09-V capacity Min: 3,600
Using the Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) published performance
data, heating and cooling performance for the three candidate ASHP systems are plotted in
Figure 11 together with estimated load characteristics for the two target areas within the house.
 The rated cooling characteristics are 9,000 Btu/h for all three ASHPs.
 The max cooling characteristics are 10,200 Btu/h for ASHP1, 12,100 Btu/h for ASHP2
and 12,200 for ASHP3
 The heating characteristics for all ASHP models 2 and 3 are fairly similar, while ASHP1
has a much lower heating output at 47°F (8°C) than the other two models.
 The thermal balance point temperatures (t-BPT) for the three ASHP options operating in
the second floor and the main floor target areas are:
o ASHP1: 28°F (-2°C);
o ASHP2: 28°F (-2°C); and,
o ASHP3: 27°F (-3°C).

Figure 11: Performance Curves & Balance Point Temperatures for 3 ductless ASHP Choices using Sizing Option 4A

considered.
 ASHP 1: 10,200 / 4,100 = 2.48:1
 ASHP 2: 12,100 / 3,800 = 3.18:1
 ASHP 3: 12,200 / 3,600 = 3.39:1
Estimated Heating Fractions provided by the ASHP
The following analysis provides estimates of the relative heating performance of each of the
ASHPs under consideration.
the “Cold-Humid” climate zone using the chart in Appendix 1 of this document.
ASHP1: t-BPT = 25°F (-4°C); Fraction of Annual Heating above the t-BPT = 62% of the target area

The client decided on ASHP1 on the basis of its lower first cost and more appropriate sizing to
the target cooling capacity range.
Heat Pump Performance Summary for the chosen model, ASHP1-MS-09-V

Cooling:
 Maximum cooling output at 95°F (35°C) is 10,200 Btu/h, or 128% of the design load of
each of the two target areas within the house. Minimum cooling output at 95°F (35°C) is
4,100 Btu/h.
 The target cooling capacity range of 6,400 to 10,000 Btu/h is within the operating range of
this ASHP.
Heating:
 Thermal balance point temperature is about 25°F (-4°C) for each of the target areas.
 Low-temperature cut-off is -15°F (-26°C).
 The fraction of target area heating provided by the ASHP above the thermal balance point
temperature is estimated at about 62% of the heating required in each of the target areas
within the house.


1. Manufacturer’s data indicates that the chosen mini-split ASHP can operate at outdoor
temperatures below the design temperature of -4°F (-20°C), so there is no requirement
to restrict the ASHP operation based on low outdoor temperature.
2. The ASHP’s are add-ons to an electric baseboard heating system, both operating on
electricity, so there is no requirement for economic switch-over to backup heating.
3. ASHP heating output capacity is less than the design heating load at the design
temperature.
Figure 12: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example A2
Control Option 6B1 is chosen with the add-on ASHP’s and the original baseboard heating
system operational over the full outdoor temperature range.
 Controls that integrated the ASHP and existing electric baseboard heating system were
not available for this ASHP model. As a result, separate indoor thermostats will be
controlling the ASHPs and existing baseboard heating system independently.
 The set-point temperature on the baseboard heating system thermostats must be set
below the low end of the ASHP dead band for the desired temperature set-point values
to ensure operation of the ASHP independent of the electric baseboards.


The two ductless ASHPs are add-ons to the original electric baseboard heating system, which
remains intact and functional and has the capacity to meet the design heating load of the home.
Following the decision tree criteria shown in Figure 13:
1. Type of Installation: Add-on ASHP, where the existing heating system remains
operational.
Figure 13: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example A2
Back-up Heating Option 7C is the most appropriate.

 Use the existing baseboard heating system as backup;
 No new backup system required.

EXAMPLE B1: Example of Selecting a Centrally Ducted, Two-stage ASHP Using Sizing Option B
Example B1: Full System Replacement:

Converting a Furnace and A/C to a Furnace
using “Sizing Option B” (Balanced Heating &
Cooling)
Background
propane furnace and a central air conditioner. Both need to be replaced.
The client is interested in installing an air-source heat pump to provide a portion of the heating
in winter and cooling in summer. During the coldest periods, additional heating will be provided
by a new high-efficiency propane furnace.

(same as Example A1)
audit was done.
23,519 Btu/h (2.0 tons).
cooling (DCL) load will not need to be adjusted. The report also states:


Based on the audit report, and the house has estimated design loads of about:
 One rectangular at 8 inches deep by 22 inches wide.
 Two round at 6-inch diameter, and
 One round at 5-in diameter.
Using equations 1a and 2a from the Guide:

 OPTION 4B: Emphasis on Balanced Cooling and Heating, and
Sizing Criteria: 80% to 125% of design cooling load; (DCL is 23,500 Btu/h at 88°F (31°C)).

centrally ducted heat pumps for the application that have cooling capacities that fall within the
showing rated cooling capacity at an outdoor temperature of 95°F (35°C).
Table 3: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Centrally-ducted Heat Pumps using “Sizing Option B”
Model Number of Nominal Capacity Cooling Capacity at 95°F Airflow
Stages (tons) (Btu/h) (CFM)
ASHP1-CD-30-1 1-stage 2.5 27,000 870
ASHP2-CD-36-2 2-stages 3.0 32,100 (high-stage); 1,150 (high-stage);

23,400 (low-stage) 800 (low-stage)
ASHP3-CD-36-V Variable capacity 3.0 32,800 (high-stage); 1,160 (high-stage);
23,400 (low-stage) 895 (low-stage)
Note: Indoor Conditions: 75ºF (24°C) dry bulb temperature and 63°F (17°C) wet bulb temperature

Using the extended performance data, heating and cooling performance curves for the three
possible ASHP systems are plotted in Figure 14 versus outdoor temperature together with the
house load characteristics.
 The cooling capacity of the low-stage outputs of the 3-ton, 2-stage and variable capacity
ASHPs are identical, at 23,400 Btu/h, and are equal to the design cooling load of the
house at the design conditions.
 The cooling capacity of the 2.5-ton single-stage ASHP is 27,000 Btu/h and is higher
than the design load but is still within the target capacity range for the application.
 Airflow requirements for all three ASHPs are below the maximum airflow capacity of the
existing duct system (i.e., 1,576 CFM).
 The heating characteristics for the 2-stage and variable capacity units are almost
identical at outdoor temperature above 34°F (1°C), but diverge at lower temperatures,
with the variable capacity ASHP having significantly higher output capacity than both
the 2-stage and single-stage ASHPs at lower temperatures.
 The thermal balance point temperature for the three ASHPs are estimated at:
o ASHP1: 33°F (0.6°C);
o ASHP2: 28°F (-3°C); and,
o ASHP3: 21°F (-6°C).
Figure 14: Performance Curves & Balance Point Temperatures for 3 ASHP Choices for Sizing Option 4B


considered.
 ASHP 1: N/A (single stage)

 ASHP 2: 32,100 / 23,400 = 1.37:1
 ASHP 3: 32,800 / 23,400 = 1.4:1
The results are summarized below for the “Cold/Humid” climate zone:
ASHP1: 2.5-ton, single-stage t-BPT = 33ºF (0.6°C) Fraction of Annual Heating above the t-BPT = 33%
ASHP2: 3.0-ton, two-stage t-BPT = 28ºF (-3°C) Fraction of Annual Heating above the t-BPT = 48%
ASHP3: 3.0-ton, variable capacity t-BPT = 21ºF (-6°C) Fraction of Annual Heating above the t-BPT = 64%
In this instance, the client decided that ASHP2, the 3-ton, 2-stage ASHP fitted best with their
overall goals for the project.
Heat Pump Performance Summary for the chosen model, ASHP2-CD-36-2
Cooling:
 High-stage cooling output at design temperature (i.e., 88°F) is about 32,700 Btu/h, or
139% of the design cooling load.
 Low-stage cooling output at design temperature (i.e., 88°F) is about 23,800 Btu/h, or
101% of the design cooling load.
Heating:
 Balance point temperature is about 28°F (-3°C)
 Low-temperature cut-off is -10°F (-23°C) (i.e., below the design temperature)
 The Fraction of Total Heating provided by ASHP above the thermal balance point
temperature is estimated at 48%.


1. The chosen heat pump is shown as capable of operating to -10°F (-23°C), which is well
below the design temperature of -4°F (-20°C).
2. The client wants to displace as much propane usage as possible with the ASHP, so the
unit will be unrestricted and allowed to operate over the full range of outdoor conditions.
(i.e., No low-temperature or economic cut-off control required).
temperature.
Figure 15: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example B1
Control Option 6B1 is chosen, which allow the ASHP to operate over the full outdoor
temperature range. No low-temperature ASHP cut-out control is required.
propane furnace used for back-up.
o The thermostat will first bring on the ASHP to satisfy a “heating call”, and only turn
off the ASHP and bring on propane furnace if the “heating call” cannot be satisfied
by the ASHP.


Backup heating will be provided by a high efficiency, propane gas furnace that will be controlled
2. ASHP Operation Restricted at Low Temperature: No, ASHP is not restricted by
chosen control strategy (i.e., Option 6B1) or by ASHP low temperature cut-off.
3. ASHP Heating Capacity at Design Temperature: Less than heating load.
4. Simultaneous operation of ASHP and Backup Heating: No, not allowed.
Figure 16: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example B1
 The output capacity of the new furnace must equal or be greater than 100% the design
heat loss value of 49,600 Btu/h, and be capable of supplying an airflow of 1,150 CFM
needed by the ASHP at the operating static pressure of the existing duct system.
The propane furnace chosen is a 60,000 Btu/h input furnace with an AFUE of 95%. Output
capacity is 57,000 Btu/h, or 115% of the design heating load of the house. The furnace has a
maximum airflow rating of 1,200 CFM which will deliver the airflow required by the chosen
ASHP.

EXAMPLE B2: Example of Selecting Ductless Mini-split Add-on ASHPs Using Sizing Option B
Example B2: ASHP Add-on: Single-Zone

Ductless Add-on to an Existing Electric
Baseboard Heating System using “Sizing
Option B” (Balanced Heating and Cooling)
Background
provide a portion of the heating in winter and cooling in summer. The baseboard heating system
will remain functional and will provide backup heating for the ASHP.


 Two units required: one for the main-floor target area and another for the
second-floor target area.

 The second-floor area will use a ducted unit (Option 2D) installed in the attic
space near the attic access hatch and will be ducted to the various rooms as
shown in Figure 18.
 The main-floor area will use a wall-mount unit (Option 2A) installed on the
exterior wall of the family room to service primarily the family room and kitchen.
Some heat will circulate to the dining room and living room through the open
doorways that link the rooms.

audit was done.
23,519 Btu/h (2.0 tons).
Since the upgrades were not implemented, the reported design heating load will need to be
adjusted to back out the assumed building envelope improvements. The reported cooling load
will not need to be adjusted. The report also states:

Based on the audit report, and the whole house has estimated design loads of about:

Target area loads were estimated by proportioning the whole house load values by the floor
area of the target areas as follows:
Since the two target areas are the same size, each will have the same load values. The target
area loads are estimated as:

 OPTION 4B: Emphasis on Balanced Cooling and Heating, and
for each of the two target areas within the house.

ductless mini-split heat pumps for the application, with cooling capacities that fall within the
showing rated cooling capacities at an outdoor temperature of 95°F (35°C), and rated heating
capacities at 47°F (8°C) and 17°F (-8°C).

Table 4: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Ductless Heat Pumps using “Sizing Option B”
Number Rated Rated Max Min Min Turn- Rated Max Max
Model of Cooling Cooling Cooling Cooling Cooling down Heating Heating Heating
Stages Efficiency Capacity Capacity Capacity < 125% Ratio Efficiency Capacity at Capacity
(SEER) at 95°F at 95°F at 95°F of DCL (HSPF) 47°F at 17°F
(Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h)
ASHP1- Variable
20.50 9,000 10,200 4,100 Yes 2.49:1 10 10,200 9,000
MS-9-V capacity
ASHP2- Variable
23.5 9,000 12,100 3,800 Yes 3.18:1 12 15,000 10,800
MS-9-V capacity
ASHP3- Variable
24.6 9,000 12,200 3,600 Yes 3.39:1 11.8 15,900 10,200
MS-9-V capacity
ASHP4-
Variable
MS-12- 23 12,000 14,680 4,100 No 3.58:1 11 19,800 13,120
capacity
V
Using the NEEP CC-ASHP Product Listings published performance data, heating and cooling
performance for the three candidate ASHP systems are plotted in Figure 19 together with
estimated load characteristics for the two target areas within the house.
For multi-stage or variable capacity equipment, Sizing Option 4B matches minimum cooling
capacities to the Target Cooling Range (i.e., 6,400 to 10,000 Btu/h in this example), where possible
(without exceeding the 125% limit).
The low stage or minimum cooling capacities at 95°F (35°C) range from 4,100 Btu/h for ASHP1
to 3,600 Btu/h for ASHP3. This is below the low end of the Target Capacity Range (6,400
Btu/h), so an upsized fourth ASHP was identified that has a rated cooling capacity of 12,000
Btu/h. This rated cooling capacity exceeds the 125% limitation of DCL. The designer thus
concludes that the 9,000 BTU/h rated cooling capacity systems are the right sized systems.
The three systems at 9,000 Btu/h cooling capacity ratings had the following characteristics:
 The rated cooling capacities are identical for all three variable-capacity ASHP, each with
an output of 9,000 Btu/h at 95°F (35°C).
 The maximum heating output at 47°F (8°C) range from 15,900 Btu/h for ASHP3 to
10,200 Btu/h for ASHP1. Maximum heating outputs at 17°F (-8°C) range from 10,800
Btu/h for ASHP2 to 9,000 Btu/h for ASHP1.
 The thermal balance point temperatures (t-BPT) for the three ASHP options operating in
the second floor and the main floor target areas are:
o ASHP1: 25°F (-4°C);
o ASHP2: 18°F (-8°C); and,
o ASHP3: 20°F (-7°C).

Figure 19: Performance Curves & Balance Point Temperatures for 3 ductless ASHP Choices using Sizing Option 4B

considered.
 ASHP 1: 10,200 / 4,100 = 2.48:1

 ASHP 2: 12,100 / 3,800 = 3.18:1
 ASHP 3: 12,200 / 3,600 = 3.39:1

The client decided on ASHP2 on the basis of its higher heating output at low outdoor
temperatures and higher estimated annual heating fraction as well as its relatively high turn-
down ratio.

Cooling:
 Rated cooling capacity at 95°F (35°C) is 9,000 Btu/h, which is within the Target Capacity
Range of each of the two target areas within the house.
Heating:
 Balance point temperature is about 18°F (-8°C) for each of the target areas.
 Low-temperature cut-off is -15°F (-26°C) (i.e., below the design temperature).
 The fraction of target area heating provided by the ASHP above the thermal balance
point temperature is estimated at 68% of the heating required in each of the two target
areas within the house.

1. Manufacturer’s data indicates that the chosen mini-split ASHP can operate at
outdoor temperatures below the design temperature of -4°F (-20°C), so there is no
requirement to restrict the ASHP operation based on low outdoor temperature.
electricity, so there is no need for an economic switch-over to full backup heating.
temperature.
Figure 20: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example B2

Control Option 6B1 is chosen with the add-on ASHP’s and the original baseboard heating
system will be operational over the full outdoor temperature range.
 Controls that integrated the ASHP and existing electric baseboard heating system were
not available for this ASHP model. As a result, separate indoor thermostats will be
controlling the ASHPs and existing baseboard heating system independently.
 The set-point temperature on the baseboard heating system thermostats must be set
below the low end of the ASHP dead band for the desired temperature set-point values
to ensure operation of the ASHP independent of the electric baseboards.

operational.
Figure 21: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example B2


EXAMPLE C1: Example of Selecting a Centrally Ducted, Variable Capacity ASHP Using Sizing Option C
Example C1: Full System Replacement:

Converting a Furnace and A/C to a Furnace
using “Sizing Option C” (Emphasis on Heating)
Background
propane furnace and a central air conditioner. Both need to be replaced.
The client is interested in installing an air-source heat pump to provide most of the heating in
winter and cooling in summer. During the coldest periods, any additional heating will be
provided by a new high-efficiency propane furnace.

(same as Example A1)
audit was done.
23,519 Btu/h (2.0 tons).
Based on the audit report, and the house has estimated design loads of about:
Heating (DHL): 49,600 Btu/h at a design temperature of -4°F (-20°C);

Cooling (DCL): 23,500 Btu/h at a design temperature of 88°F (31°C).
Calculated maximum airflow capacity of existing duct system:

 One rectangular trunk at 8 inches deep by 22 inches wide.
 Two round ducts at 6-inch diameter, and
 One round duct at 5-in diameter.
Using equations 1a and 2a:

 OPTION 4C: Emphasis on Heating, and
Sizing Criteria: Heating output that falls close to the house heating load
at 17°F (-8.3°C); (Design heating load is 49,600 Btu/h at -4°F (-20°C))
Target Heating Capacity:
Target Heating Capacity at 17°F = Design Heating Load x 43 / (60 - Design Temperature) [Equation 4]
Target Heating Capacity at 17°F = 49,600 x 43 / (60 – (– 4)) = 33,325

Target Heating Capacity is ASHP heating output of about 33,325 Btu/h at 17°F (-8.3°C)

The contractor has screened a number of possible ASHP systems and has identified three,
centrally ducted heat pumps for the application that have heating capacities that fall close to the
Target Heating Capacity. These are listed in Table 5 with the manufacturer’s data showing
rated heating capacities at an outdoor temperature of 17°F (-8.3°C).
Table 5: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Centrally Ducted Heat Pumps using “Sizing Option C”
Number of Rated Cooling Min Cooling Min Cooling less Heating Capacity Turn-down Heating
Model Stages Capacity Capacity at than 125% of at 17°F (-8.3°C) Ratio at Airflow
at 95°F (35°C) 95°F (35°C) DCL ? (Btu/h) 17°F (- (CFM)
(Btu/h) (Btu/h) 8.3°C)
ASHP1- N/A
1-stage 55,300 N/A No 36,000 1,800
CD-60-1
1.6:1 1,550
ASHP2- 33,000 (high stage)
2-stages 44,000 31,900 No (high
CD-48-2 20,600 (low stage) stage)
48,000 (high stage) 1.85:1 1,440

ASHP3- Variable
42,000 19,000 Yes (high
CD-48-V capacity 26,000 (low stage) stage)

Using the extended performance data, heating and cooling performance curves for the three
possible ASHP systems are plotted in Figure 22 versus outdoor temperature together with the
house load characteristics.
 The heating output of all three ASHP choices matches closely with the heating load of
the house at 17°F (-8°C); However the 5-ton, single-stage unit has significantly higher
output at milder temperatures compared to the 2-stage and variable capacity units due
to the lack of capacity control.
 The cooling capacity of the 5-ton single-stage unit has more than two times the design
cooling load and is well outside the normal capacity range for cooling. This will result in
very poor dehumidification performance.
 The larger 5-ton unit also requires an airflow of 1,800 CFM, which exceeds the
maximum airflow capacity of the existing duct system by over 200 CFM.
 The 4-ton, 2-stage and 4-ton, variable capacity ASHP have airflow requirements of
1,550 and 1,485 CFM which both fall below the maximum airflow capacity rating of the
existing duct system of 1576 CFM.
 The high stage heating capacity for the 2-stage system at 17°F (-8°C) is much lower
than the variable capacity system and the variable capacity system shows a superior
turn-down ratio over the full operating range.
 The cooling capacity of the variable capacity unit is lower than the 2-stage unit, and
again the variable capacity has a superior turn-down ratio in cooling
 The thermal balance point temperatures for the three ASHPs are estimated at:
o ASHP1: 15°F (-9°C);
o ASHP2: 17°F (-8°C); and,
o ASHP3: 3°F (-16°C).
Figure 22: Performance Curves & Balance Point Temperatures for 3 ASHP Choices for Sizing Option 4C


considered.
 ASHP 1: N/A
 ASHP 2: 33,000 / 20,600 = 1.6:1
 ASHP 3: 48,000 / 26,000 = 1.85:1
Estimated Annual Heating Fractions provided by the ASHP

ASHP1: 5.0-ton, single-stage t-BPT = 15ºF (-9°C) Fraction of Heating above the t-BPT = 76%
ASHP2: 4.0-ton, two-stage t-BPT = 17ºF (-8°C) Fraction of Heating above the t-BPT = 72%
ASHP3: 4.0-ton, variable capacity t-BPT = 3ºF (-16°C) Fraction of Heating above the t-BPT = 84%
The fraction of heating expected to be delivered by the 4-ton variable capacity unit is the
highest, its turn-down ratio is superior, and its minimum cooling capacity is the lowest. The
Variable capacity unit thus offers the maximum range of performance for this application.
The client has decided on the 4-ton, variable capacity ASHP.
Heat Pump Performance Summary for the chosen model, ASHP3-CD-48-V

Heating:
 Balance point temperature is about 3°F (-16°C)
 Low-temperature cut-off is -13°F (-25°C)
 The turn-down ratio at 17ºF (-8°C) is 1.84:1
 The Fraction of Total Heating provided by ASHP above the thermal balance point
temperature is estimated at 84%.
Cooling:
 Rated cooling capacity at 95°F (-8.3°C) is about 42,000 Btu/h, or 178% of the design
cooling load.
 Low-stage or minimum cooling capacity at 95°F (-8.3°C) is about 19,000 Btu/h, or 81% of
the design cooling load.


1. The chosen heat pump is shown as capable of operating to -10°F (-23°C), which is
well below the design temperature of -4°F (-20°C).
2. The client wants to displace as much propane usage as possible with the ASHP, so
the unit will be unrestricted and allowed to operate over the full range of outdoor
conditions. (i.e., No economic switch-over)
temperature.
Figure 23: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example C1
Control Option 6B1 is chosen, which allow the ASHP to operate over the full outdoor
temperature range. No low-temperature ASHP cut-out control is required.
propane furnace used for back-up.
o The thermostat will first bring on the ASHP to satisfy a “heating call”, and only turn
off the ASHP and bring on propane furnace if the “heating call” cannot be satisfied
by the ASHP.


Backup heating will be provided by a high efficiency, propane gas furnace that will be controlled
chosen control strategy (i.e., Option 6B1) or by ASHP low temperature cut-off.
3. ASHP Heating Capacity at Design Temperature: Less than heating load.
4. Simultaneous operation of ASHP and Backup Heating: No, not allowed.
Figure 24: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example C1
 The output capacity of the new furnace must equal or be greater than 100% the design
heat loss value of 49,600 Btu/h, and be capable of delivering the up to 1,440 CFM
require by the 4-ton, variable capacity ASHP at the operating static pressure of the
existing duct system.
The propane furnace chosen is an 80,000 Btu/h input, 2-stage furnace with an AFUE of 95%.
Maximum output capacity is 76,000 Btu/h, or 153% of the design heating load of the house.
This larger capacity furnace was selected based on its maximum airflow rating of 1,500 CFM,
which is need to satisfy the airflow requirements of the 4-ton ASHP selected for the application.

EXAMPLE C2: Example of Selecting Ductless Mini-split Add-on ASHPs Using Sizing Option C
Example C2: ASHP Add-on: Single-Zone

Option C” (Emphasis on Heating)
Background
provide most of the heating in winter and cooling in summer. The baseboard heating system will
remain functional and will provide any additional heating during the coldest periods.


 Two units required: one for the main-floor target area and another for the
second-floor target area.

 The second-floor area will use a ducted unit (Option 2D) installed in the attic
space near the attic access hatch and will be ducted to the various rooms as
shown in Figure 31.
 The main-floor area will use a wall-mount unit (Option 2A) installed on the
exterior wall of the family room to service primarily the family room and kitchen.
Some heat will circulate to the dining room and living room through the open
doorways that link the rooms.

audit was done.
Using Option 3B: Energy Audit Load Estimates.
your home's design heat loss would be 43,641 Btu/h and its design cooling load would be
23,519 Btu/h (2.0 tons).
Since the upgrades were not implemented, the reported design heat loss will need to be
adjusted to back out the assumed building envelope improvements. The reported cooling load
will not need to be adjusted. The report also states:

Based on the audit report, and the whole house has estimated design loads of about:

Target area loads were estimated by proportioning the whole house load values by the floor
area of the target areas as follows:
Since the two target areas are the same size, each will have the same load values. The target
area loads are estimated as:

 OPTION 4C: Emphasis on Heating, and
Sizing Criteria: ASHP heating output that falls close to the target area heating load
at 17°F (-8°C);
(Design heating loads for each of target areas is about 17,000 Btu/h
at -4°F (-20°C)).
Target Heating Capacity (estimated using Equation 4):
Target Heating Capacity at 17°F = Design Heating Load x 43 / (60 - Design Temperature) (Equation 4)
Target Heating Capacity at 17°F = 17,000 x 43 / (60 – (– 4)) = 11,400

Target Heating Capacity is ASHP heating output of about 11,400 Btu/h at 17°F (-8.3°C) for
each of the two target areas within the house.

ductless mini-split heat pumps for the application, with heating outputs that fall close to the
Target Heating Capacity. These are listed in Table 6 with the manufacturer’s data showing

rated cooling capacities at an outdoor temperature of 95°F (35°C), and rated heating capacities
at 47°F (8°C) and 17°F (-8°C).
Table 6: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Ductless Heat Pumps using “Sizing Option C”
Number Rated Rated Rated Rated Heating Max/Min Max/Min Turn-down

Model of Cooling Cooling Heating Capacity at Heating Heating Ratio at 17°F
Stages Efficiency Capacity Efficiency 47°F Capacity at Capacity at (-8.3°C)
(SEER) at 95°F (HSPF) (Btu/h) 47°F 17°F
(Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h)
ASHP1- Variable 18,100 / 12,000 /
23.1 12,000 12.5 14,400 10.4:1
MS-12-V capacity 2,000 1,150
ASHP2- Variable 18,465 / 12,000 /
20 18,000 10.3 18,000 4.6:1
EL-18-V capacity 7,458 2,589
ASHP3- Variable 27,600 / 16,400 /
20.5 19,000 11.5 18,800 8.6:1
TO-18-V capacity 3,100 1,900
Using the NEEP CC-ASHP Product Listings published performance data, heating and cooling
performance for the three candidate ASHP systems are plotted are plotted in Figure 27,
together with the estimated load characteristics for the two target areas within the house.
Figure 27: Performance Curves & Balance Point Temperatures for 3 ductless ASHP Choices using Sizing Option 4C
The heating characteristics of the three ASHP candidate units are somewhat different:
 ASHP1 has a rated heating capacity of 14,400 Btu/h at 47°F (8°C), but a maxcimum
capacity of 18,100 Btu/h at this same temperature. It’s capacity curve crosses the

heating load line at very close to the target heating temperature and its turn-down ratio
is superior to the other ASHPs. It also has the highest SEER and HSPF rating of the
three systems. ASHP 3 is right-sized for the target heating load.
 ASHP2 is similar to ASHP 1 but has a lower turn-down ratio, lower HSPF and lower
SEER than ASHP 1. ASHP 2 is right-sized for the target heating load, but is lower
performing than ASHP 1.
 ASHP3, although having a high turn-down ratio as well as high HSPF and SEER
ratings, is simply over-sized for the intended application.
The thermal balance point temperatures (t-BPT) for the three ASHP options operating in the two
target areas are:
 ASHP1: 17°F (-8°C);
 ASHP2: 17°F (-8°C);
 ASHP3: 10°F (-12°C).
The rated cooling capacity for ASHP 1 is 12,000 Btu/hr at 95°F (35°C), however ASHP 1 has a
cooling capacity range from 1,500 – 13,600 Btu/h @ 95°F (35°C). The design cooling load of
8,000 Btu/h at 88°F (31°C) is well within its operating range. ASHP1 is therefore not over-sized
for the cooling load.
considered.
Using the high stage and low stage heating capacities specified in the manufacturer’s
performance tables at 17F (-8°C), the turn-down ratios for the ASHPs considered are:
 ASHP 1: 12,000 / 1,150 = 10.4:1
 ASHP 2: 12,000 / 2,589 = 4.6:1
 ASHP 3: 16,400 / 1,900 = 8.6:1
ASHP1: t-BPTs = 17°F (-8°C); Fraction of heating above t-BPT = 72%

The amount of heating expected to be delivered by the 3 different systems is similar. The client
decided on ASHP3 on the basis of its flatter heat output characteristic and higher heating output
at low outdoor temperatures.

Heating:
 Balance point temperature is about 10°F (-12°C) for both target areas.
 Low-temperature cut-off is -15°F (-26°C).
 The fraction of target area heating provided by the ASHP above the thermal balance
point temperature is estimated at about 84% heating required by each of the target
areas within the house.
Cooling:
 The cooling output ranges from 1,500 to 13,600 Btu/h at 95°F (35°C) and the DCL is
8,000 Btu/h at 88°F (351°C). The units chosen are variable capacity heat pumps and
should be capable of reducing cooling output to match closely to the design cooling
loads of the target areas within the house.

temperature.

Figure 28: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example C2
Control Option 6B1 is chosen with the add-on ASHPs and the original baseboard heating
 Controls that integrate the ASHP and existing electric baseboard heating system were
available for this ASHP model.
o Each ASHP indoor unit will control the existing baseboard heating system such that
the baseboards provide heating only when the ASHP is unable to provide the
heating requirements.
o This controls-approach requires an auxiliary heat call connection to a wireless
baseboard thermostat located in the target areas serviced by the ASHP. The
wireless baseboard thermostat relays the auxiliary heat call signal to wireless
receivers mounted in or beside the electric baseboards installed in the target areas
serviced by the ASHP indoor unit. Only the baseboards occurring in the target areas
being conditioned by the ASHP would require such controls.


operational.
Figure 29: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example C2


EXAMPLE D1: Example of Selecting a Centrally Ducted, Variable Capacity ASHP Using Sizing Option D
Example D1: New HVAC System: A Centrally

Ducted Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump as
the only Heating System using “Sizing Option
D” (Sized on Design Heating Load)
Background
The client of a new home and is interested in installing a cold-climate, variable capacity air-
source heat pump to do all of the space heating in their energy efficient home. Cooling is also of
interest but is secondary to heating. The house is being designed with a central forced-air duct
system.
The design temperature conditions for the location are: -13°F (-25°C) for heating and 86°F

Use Option 3A: CSA F280 Load Analysis.
Being a new home, the designer has completed a F280 analysis, to determine the required
heating and cooling loads. The design loads for the new house are:

The appropriate option is:
 OPTION 4D: Sized on the Design Heating Load, and
Sizing Criteria: ASHP heating output that falls at or close to the target heating capacity at
the design temperature;
 Target Heating Capacity is ASHP heating of 18,500 Btu/h at -13°F (-25°C). [equation 5]

The contractor has identified two possible centrally ducted, variable capacity heat pumps for the
application, in which the manufacturer has provided data at outdoor temperatures low enough to
evaluate their effectiveness. Manufacturer’s performance data for the two systems are provided
in Table 7.

Table 7: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Centrally-ducted Heat Pumps using “Sizing Option D”
Max / Min HSPF Max / Min Max / Min Maximum Maximum Turn-down
Number Cooling Capacity (Region Heating Heating Heating Heating Ratio at
Model of Stages at 95°F IV) at 47°F at 17°F at 5°F at -13°F 17°F (-
(Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h) 8.3°C)
ASHP1- variable Max: 30,000 Max: 34,000 Max: 32,000
9.7 32,000 25,000 2:1
CD-030-V capacity Min: 18,000 Min: 18,000 Min: 16,000
ASHP2- variable Max: 36,000 Max: 40,000 Max: 38,000
11 38,000 29,000 2:1
CD-036-V capacity Min: 18,000 Min: 18,000 Min: 19,000
The two candidate ASHPs have maximum heating capacities at -13°F (-25°C) that exceed the
design heat loss value of 18,500 Btu/h, so both have sufficient capacity at the target heating
capacity. ASHP 1, while having a lower HSPF than ASHP 2, has a lower minimum heating
capacity and will therefore run longer without cycling than ASHP 2. For this reason, it is
preferred for this application. Both ASHP 1 and ASHP 2 have cooling capacities that exceed
the upper limit of the design cooling load (125% of the DCL), but this is of lesser concern to the
client.
Performance curves (based on performance as reported in manufacturer’s extended
performance tables) showing maximum and minimum heating characteristics for the two ASHP
system are plotted in Figure 30 versus outdoor temperature together with the house heating
load characteristic.
Figure 30: Variable-Capacity ASHP Performance with Sizing Option 4D (Sized on Design Heating Load)
The thermal balance point temperatures (t-BPT) for the two ASHP options are:
o ASHP1: t-BPT is below the design temperature of -13°F (-25°C);
o ASHP2: t-BPT is below the design temperature of -13°F (-25°C).


considered.
 ASHP 1: 32,000 / 16,000 = 2:1

 ASHP 2: 38,000 / 19,000 = 2:1

The two candidate ASHPs have t-BPT’s that are below the design temperature and both will be
able to satisfy 100% of the heating requirements of the house.
In this case, ASHP 1 was chosen as it matches the design heating load line of the house slightly
better than ASHP 2.
Heat Pump Performance Summary for the chosen model, ASHP1-CD-30-V

Heating:
 Balance point temperature is below the design temperature of -13°F (-25°C).
 Low-temperature cut-off is below the design temperature of -13°F (-25°C).
 Maximum heating output at design temperature is about 32,000 Btu/h, or 173% of the
design load. The ASHP has variable output, with the minimum output ranging from 44% to
53% of maximum output over the operating temperature range, which will extend ASHP
runtimes.
 The fraction of total heating provided by the ASHP is 100% over the full heating season.
Cooling:
 Maximum cooling output is about 30,000 Btu/h, or 250% of the design cooling load.
 Minimum cooling output is about 18,000 Btu/h, or 150% of the design cooling load.


1. The chosen heat pump is capable of operating below the design temperature of -13°F
(-25°C).
2. There are no plans to restrict the operation of the ASHP, and it will be operational over
the full range of outdoor temperatures.
3. The heating capacity of the ASHP exceeds the design heat loss of the house at the
outdoor design temperature.
Figure 31: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example D1
Control Strategy Option 6C is chosen; NO supplemental heating is needed.


Following the decision tree criteria in Figure 32:
1. Type of Installation: New HVAC installation;
chosen control strategy (i.e., Option C) or by ASHP low temperature cut-off.
3. ASHP Heating Capacity at Design Temperature: Greater than design heating load.
Figure 32: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example D1
Back-up Heating Option 7D is most appropriate; NO backup heating is required.

EXAMPLE D2: Example of Selecting a Ductless Multi-zone Add-on ASHP Using Sizing Option D
Example D2: ASHP Add-on: Multi-Zone

Option D” (Sized on Design Heating Load)
Background
The client is interested in installing an add-on, cold-climate, multi-zone air-source heat pump to
provide most, if not all of the space heating in the home that is currently equipped with electric
baseboard heating. Cooling is also of interest but is secondary to heating.
The design temperature conditions for the location are: -13°F (-25°C) for heating and 86°F

Use OPTION 1C: Mini-split, Multi-zone, Add-on ASHP
The house floor plan is shown below. It was decided to treat each floor as a separate zone or
target area.
Figure 33: Floor plans for House with location and type of indoor unit shown
The indoor unit types selected to service each of the target areas are shown in Figure 33 and
described below.
 The second-floor area will use a ducted unit (Option 2D) installed in the attic space
above the hall and ducted to the various rooms as shown in Figure 33.
 The main-floor area will use a floor-mount unit (Option 2B) installed on the exterior wall
of the dining room to service the open concept main floor.

 The basement area will be serviced by a wall-mounted unit (Option 2A) installed on the
exterior wall of the recreation room.

Use Option 3C: Modelling of the House Energy Requirements
Since a zoned heating solution is being considered, the client and designer have agreed that
developing an energy model of the house heating and cooling loads is the most appropriate
approach to ensure proper sizing of the AHSP equipment.
An energy model was created for this house and produced the heating and cooling loads at the
design conditions for each of major areas or zones within the home as summarized in Table 8.
Table 8: Energy Model values of Heating and Cooling Loads for various areas, or zones within the home
Area Name Heating Loads Cooling Loads
(Btu/h) (Btu/h)
Second Floor - Family Room above the garage 2,277 2,900
Second Floor - Bedroom Zone (includes 3 bedrooms, bath room and hall) 13,783 8,574
Second Floor subtotal 16,060 11,474
Main Floor (includes kitchen, dining room, living room, bath room and foyer)
Main Floor subtotal 9,300 8,527
Basement Area (includes rec room, office and bath room and storage room)
Basement subtotal 5,380 3,103
Total whole house totals 30,740 23,104
The design loads for the house are:


The appropriate option is:
 OPTION 4D: Sized on the Design Heating Load, and
Sizing Criteria: ASHP heating output that falls at or close to the target heating capacity at
the design temperature;
Target Heating Capacity is ASHP heating of 30,740 Btu/h at -13°F (-25°C) [equation 5]

When selecting a suitable add-on multi-zone ASHP system, it is necessary to consider both the
performance of the outdoor unit as well as the location and number of indoor units required in
order to condition the priority target areas of the home under consideration.

Some multi-zone ASHPs may require the installation of a separate distribution box between the
indoor and outdoor units. Extra consideration of installation may be required when designing
these systems to accommodate the location of the distribution box.
Note that the selection process for multi-zone systems requires additional care and attention.
Depending on the target heating capacity (and therefore the capacity of the outdoor unit), the
designer may be limited to a minimum number of indoor units. Furthermore, indoor unit
capacities may be too large for individual rooms or zones to be conditioned. When dividing the
house into zones, it is therefore advised to follow the approach of determining “roughly equal
sized zones”. This is in-line with Step 2 of NRCan’s Zoning Duct Design Guide [NRCan, 2017].
Multi-zone Outdoor Units Performance

The contractor has identified three possible multi-zone ductless, cold climate heat pumps for the
application. Multi-zone, ductless ASHPs consist of a single outdoor unit that is connected to two
or more indoor units.
Performance data for the three systems identified are provided in Table 9 for the outdoor units.
Table 9: Manufacturer’s Performance Data for Candidate Multi-zone Ductless Heat Pumps using “Sizing Option D”
Maximum Max / Min Max / Min Max / Min Maximum Maximum
Number Number Cooling Heating Heating Heating Heating
Model of Stages of Indoor Capacity at 47°F at 17°F at 5°F at -13°F
Units at 95°F (Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h)
(Btu/h)
ASHP1-MZ- variable Max: 28,400 Max: 28,600 Max: 28,600
3 28,600 25,200
030-V capacity Min: 12,500 Min: 11,400 Min: 13,100
4 45,000 34,200
5 48,000 36,500
Performance curves showing maximum and minimum heating characteristics for the three
candidate ASHP systems are plotted in Figure 33 versus outdoor temperature together with the
whole house heating load characteristic.

Figure 34: Add-on Multi-zone ASHP Performance using Sizing Option 4D targeting the full house load
Two of the three candidate ASHPs have maximum heating capacities that exceed the design
heating requirement of the house of 30,740 Btu/h at an outdoor temperature of -13°F (-25°C).
 ASHP2 and ASHP3 have maximum heating outputs of 34,200 Btu/h and 36,500 Btu/h
respectively, which exceed the total heating requirement of the house at the design
temperature.
o The minimum heating outputs for ASHP2 and ASHP3 cross the house load line at
about 5°F (-15C) and they will be capable of variable capacity operation at outdoor
temperatures at or below this value. As a result, these larger heat pumps will
operate on minimum output and be forced to cycle ON and OFF in order to control
capacity for much of the heating season.
o The ASHP2 outdoor unit can support up to 4 indoor units, while the larger ASHP3
can support up to 5 indoor units.
 ASHP1 has a maximum output of 25,200 Btu/h at -13°F (-25°C), which is slightly below
(i.e., 82%) the design heating requirement.
o The minimum heating output for ASHP1 crosses the house load line at about 30°F
(-1°C) and will be capable of variable capacity operation at outdoor temperatures at
or below this value. As a result, ASHP1 will be able to operate within its variable
capacity range for much of the heating season.
o The ASHP1 outdoor unit can support up to 3 indoor units.
 The thermal balance point temperatures (t-BPT) for the three ASHP options are:
o ASHP1: t-BPT is -4°F (-20°C);

o ASHP2: t-BPT is below the design temperature of -13°F (-25°C); and,

o ASHP3: t-BPT is below the design temperature of -13°F (-25°C).
considered.
 ASHP 1: 28,600 / 13,100 = 2.2:1

 ASHP 2: 45,000 / 22,500 = 2:1
 ASHP 2: 48,000 / 24,000 = 2:1
ASHP1: t-BPT = -4°F (-20°C); Fraction of Annual Heating provided above the t-BPT is about 96%
ASHP2: t-BPT is below design temperature; Fraction of Annual Heating provided is 100%
ASHP3: t-BPT is below design temperature; Fraction of Annual Heating provided is 100%
In spite of the balance point differences, the amount of heating expected to be delivered by the
three different systems is very similar.
In this case, ASHP1 is chosen by the client as it follows the heating load line of the house much
better than the other two alternatives. ASHP1’s lower cooling capacity will also match the
cooling requirements better than the other two candidate heat pumps.
The selection of ASHP1 outdoor unit does impose some limitation on the number of indoor
units, as this model of multi-zone heat pump is restricted to a maximum of 3 indoor zones.
Indoor unit considerations are discussed further in the following section.
Indoor Unit Capacities

The system configuration decided on by the client is a three-zone system (one zone per floor),
as described in Table 10. The three-zones will be conditioned by individual indoor units that are
connected to the single “multi-split” outdoor unit selected previously.
This particular model of multi-zone heat pump does not require a distribution box to be installed.
Different styles and capacities of indoor units were selected to best satisfy the thermal
requirements of each of the zones as described in STEP 2 and shown in Figure 33.

Table 10: Indoor unit Types and Capacities used in the mini-split, multi-zone ASHP application
Nominal Maximum Maximum
Indoor Indoor
Rated Heating Available Heating* Available Heating*
Zone Unit Unit
Capacity at 47°F Capacity at 47°F Capacity at -13°F
No. Model Type
(Btu/h) (Btu/h) (Btu/h)
1 IDU-D-15 Compact-ducted unit 18,000 14,260 12,550
2 IDU-F-09 Floor-mount unit 10,900 8,635 7,600
3 IDU-F-06 Wall-mount unit 7,200 5,708 5,020
All Total 36,100 28,600* 25,170*
* Maximum Available heating outputs at 47°F and -13°F from the outdoor unit selected.
The rated heating capacity of the three connected indoor units exceeds the output capacity of
outdoor unit chosen. The estimated available heating capacity for each of the zones at 47°F
and -13°F is shown in the last two columns on the right side of Table 10, based on the total
heating output available from the outdoor unit at these outdoor temperatures.
Heat Pump Performance Summary for the chosen outdoor model,

ASHP1, connected to three indoor units
Heating:
 Balance point temperature is -4°F (-20°C).
 Low-temperature cut-off is below the design temperature -13°F (-25°C).
 Maximum heating output at design temperature is about 25,170 Btu/h, or 82% of the
design load.
 The ASHP has variable output and turn-down ratio of 2.2:1, with the minimum heating
output ranging from 10,000 Btu/hr to 13,100 Btu/hr over the operating temperature
range. This variable capacity will extend ASHP runtimes during milder weather and
when fewer than three indoor zones are calling for heat.
 The fraction of total heating provided by the ASHP is estimated to be about 96% over
the full heating season.
Cooling:
 Maximum cooling output is about 28,400 Btu/h, or 123% of the design cooling load,
while minimum cooling output is 12,500 Btu/h. The design cooling load of 23,140 Btu/h
is therefore well within the operating range of the ASHP.


temperature.
Figure 35: Decision Tree to Determine ASHP Control Strategy Option for Example D2
Control Option 6B1 is chosen with the add-on ASHPs and the original baseboard heating
 Controls that integrate the ASHP and existing electric baseboard heating system were
available for this ASHP model.
o Each ASHP indoor unit will control the existing baseboard heating system such that
the baseboards provide heating only when the ASHP is unable to provide the
heating requirements.
o This controls approach requires an auxiliary heat call connection to a wireless
baseboard thermostat located in the target areas serviced by the ASHP. The
wireless baseboard thermostat relays the auxiliary heat call signal to wireless
receivers mounted in or beside the electric baseboards installed in the target areas
serviced by the ASHP indoor unit. Only the baseboards occurring in the target areas
being conditioned by the ASHP would require such controls.


The ductless multi-zone ASHP is an add-on to the original electric baseboard heating system,
which remains intact and functional and has the capacity to meet the design heating load of the
home, should the need arise.
operational.
Figure 36: Decision Tree to Determine the Backup Heating Requirements for Example D2


APPENDIX 1 – Fraction of Total Annual Heating Above an Outdoor Temperature for Climate Zones in Canada
APPENDIX 1 – Fraction of Total Annual Heating

Above an Outdoor Temperature
for Climate Zones in Canada
Use the following Chart to estimate total annual heating fraction that an Air-Source Heat Pump
can deliver above a given outdoor temperature (e.g., Balance Point Temperature; Economic
Cut-off Temperature, etc.).
76%
15°F
Figure 37: Fraction of Total Annual Heating Curves for Five Climate Zones in Canada
Example of how to use the chart:

1. An ASHP, installed in a house has a heating thermal balance point temperature of
15°F.
a. Plot a vertical line at 15°F on the horizontal axis.
2. The house is located in the Cold/Humid Climate Zone of Canada;
The climate zone for your location can be determined from the Map on the next page.
a. Mark the intersection of the vertical line with the appropriate climate-zone curve.
b. Project a horizontal line from the marked point to the vertical axis
3. The Fraction of Total Annual Heating above the given temperature is read off the
vertical axis of the chart.

APPENDIX 1 – Fraction of Total Annual Heating Above an Outdoor Temperature for Climate Zones in Canada
a. In this example, the fraction of Total Annual Heating delivered above 15°F is
about 76%.
Most Canadian population centres fall into three climate zones:

 Cold-Humid,
 Cold-Dry, and
 Very-Cold.
The exceptions are the coastal areas of British Columbia which has a “Marine” climate, and the
northern region of Canada which has a “Subarctic” climate.
Figure 38: Climate Zone Assignments for Heat Pump Applications

APPENDIX 2 – References
APPENDIX 2 – References
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Zoning Duct Design Guide. Version 1.0. 2017.
Available on-line.


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Addendum to the

AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP

Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Aussi disponible en français sous le titre :

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

COP: Coefficient of Performance. The COP is a measure of a heat pump’s efficiency. It is

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Economic Balance Point Temperature (e-BPT): Outdoor temperature at which it is

HRAI: The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

This guide covers the following technologies:

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

OVERVIEW OF THE AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP

II. Identify candidate ASHPs matching key

Components of the ASHP Sizing and Selection Process

NOTE TO DESIGNERS AND CONTRACTORS: “Fast-tracking” ASHP Selection and Sizing

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

1. ASHP Sizing and Selection Guide

 Complete each step of the Guide in the order shown to

2. ASHP Key Specifications Summary Worksheet

Figure 3: The "ASHP Key Specifications Summary Worksheet"

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

3. ASHP Spreadsheet Tool

The ASHP spreadsheet tool

 These example cases

Figure 5: "Worked Example" – Mini-split, Multi-zone, Add-on ASHP

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Example A1: Full System Replacement:

STEP 1: Define ASHP Configuration

Design Heating Load = 43,641 Btu/h / 0.88 = 49,592 Btu/h

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Cooling (DCL): 23,500 Btu/h at a design temperature of 88°F (31°C).

STEP 4: Determine Sizing Approach and Capacity Requirements of ASHP

STEP 5: Identify and Select ASHP Matching Key Requirements

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Estimated Turn-down Ratios

 ASHP 1: N/A (single stage)

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Estimated Annual Heating Fractions provided by the Candidate ASHPs

Heat Pump Performance Summary for the chosen model, ASHP1-CD-24-1

STEP 6: Define the ASHP Control Strategy

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

STEP 7: Define Back-up Heating Requirements

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Back-up Heating Option 7A is required.

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Example A2: ASHP Add-on: Single-Zone

STEP 1: Define ASHP Configuration

Figure 9: Two-storey house floor plans with Targeted Areas circled

Use OPTION 1B: Ductless Mini-split, Single-zone, Add-on ASHPs

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

STEP 3: Determine Design Heating and Cooling Load Estimates

Natural Resources Canada Version 1.0, 2020-12-21

Design Heating Load = 43,641 Btu/h / 0.88 = 49,592 Btu/h

Target Area Load Estimates