In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your home.
They look about the same as an air conditioner. In fact, they operate in the same way during warm weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can transfer heat in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your house when it’s cold.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just find the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you find you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking over installing one, learn more about how this HVAC system keeps houses cozy.
Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can work similar to a ductless mini-split, because they can heat and cool. Heat pumps have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to shift humidity. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help move warmth properly.
In cooling mode, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house blows over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out warmth. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing dehumidified air flows through the ductwork and back into your home.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant passes through a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, causing it to heat up even more. As it flows through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outside. The refrigerant heads back into your house, passing through an expansion valve that chills it considerably, readying it to go through the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll receive efficient cooling as good as an energy-efficient air conditioner.
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange procedure occurs the other way around. By moving in a different direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your home to warm the inside.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it turns too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your home comfortable, but your heating expenses go up as a result.
Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t become as warm. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps transfer heat rather than making it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by using a heat pump.
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. They are an alternative to the standard 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 Expert to contact. We’ll size and install your unit to fit your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll back our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 866-397-3787 now.
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