In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your house.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In reality, they run in a nearly identical way during warm weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can move warmth in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your house when temperatures drop.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? Simply locate the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If you discover you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking over getting one, find out how this HVAC system keeps homes cozy.
Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can operate similar to a ductless mini-split, as they can heat and cool. Heat pumps have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to move heat. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help shift humidity efficiently.
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes humidity. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The resulting cool air moves through the ductwork and back into your house.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, causing it to heat up even more. As it goes through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outside. The refrigerant moves back indoors, moving through an expansion valve that chills it considerably, preparing it to start the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained appropriately, you’ll enjoy efficient cooling on par with an energy-efficient air conditioner.
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange cycle occurs in reverse. By flowing in a different direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your residence to warm the inside.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it becomes too cold, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your house cozy, but your heating expenses increase as a result.
Heat pumps run longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t become as heated. This helps keep a more stable indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by getting a heat pump.
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and economical. They are an alternative to the regular AC/furnace configuration and should have the same amount of maintenance—one appointment in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the contractor to contact. We’ll size and install your system to match your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll support our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 866-397-3787 today.
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There’s no reason to skip your seasonal maintenance that saves energy and helps ensure your air conditioner and heater will work reliably all season long.
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