In Dallas, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your home.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In fact, they operate in a similar fashion during the summer. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift heat in the opposite direction as well as heat your house when temperatures drop.
Not sure if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you need to do is track down the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If it turns out you own a heat pump, or you’re considering getting one, find out how this HVAC unit keeps homes comfy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can run akin to a ductless mini-split, because they can heat and cool. Heat pumps use an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to move warmth. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help shift warmth effectively.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts humidity. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing cold air flows through the ductwork and back into your house.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, leading it to get hotter. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outside. The refrigerant moves back inside, traveling through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it greatly, prepping it to begin the process from the start.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained appropriately, you’ll have efficient cooling as good as an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange cycle happens the opposite way. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your home to warm the interior.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it turns too cold, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your house comfortable, but your heating expenses rise as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t become as heated. This helps sustain a more balanced indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating bills by installing a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are a green choice and economical. They replace the regular AC/furnace setup and should have the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Levy & Son Service Experts is the contractor to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your equipment to meet your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll support our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 469-250-0932 today.