What must be calculated first to determine a heat pump's balance point?

To determine a heat pump's balance point, it is essential to calculate the building's heat load first. The heat load represents the total amount of heat energy required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature under specific outdoor conditions. This calculation considers various factors, including the size of the building, insulation quality, window placements, and climate conditions.

The balance point refers to the outdoor temperature at which the heat provided by the heat pump matches the heat loss from the building. At this point, the system neither gains nor loses energy, creating a scenario where it operates efficiently without cycling on and off excessively. Establishing the heat load is crucial because it serves as the foundation for determining how much heating is necessary, which in turn informs the expected performance of the heat pump at various outdoor temperatures.

Understanding the cooling load, outdoor temperature, or thermostat setting, while relevant to the overall performance and operation of HVAC systems, does not directly influence the calculation of the balance point as fundamentally as the building's heat load does.