How a Heat Pump Cools Your Home
In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your home.
They look very similar to an air conditioner. In reality, they run in a similar fashion during hot weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can transfer humidity in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your home when temperatures drop.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is locate the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you discover you have a heat pump, or you’re considering getting one, discover how this HVAC equipment keeps houses comfortable.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can work like 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 transfer humidity. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help shift humidity efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out heat. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and flows away. The resulting dehumidified air circulates through the ductwork and back into your residence.
During this time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, causing it to warm up. As it flows 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 greatly, prepping it to begin the process all over again.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained correctly, you’ll get efficient cooling on par with an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange procedure takes place in reverse. By moving in a different direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your home to warm the interior.
Heat pumps running in heating mode are most effective when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it gets too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your home comfy, but your heating bills rise as a result.
Heat pumps run longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t get as hot. This helps keep a more stable indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps move warmth rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating costs by using a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are good for the environment and money-saving. They are a substitute for the traditional AC/furnace system and require the same amount of maintenance—one service in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’d like to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the contractor to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your equipment to match your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll support our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 866-397-3787 now.
