In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your residence.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In actuality, they run in a nearly identical way during hot weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can move warmth in the opposite direction as well as heat your residence 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 discover you have a heat pump, or you’re considering purchasing one, find out how this HVAC system keeps homes cozy.
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can work akin to a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps depend on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to shift heat. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help move heat efficiently.
When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is set over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out humidity. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing cold air flows through the ductwork and back into your home.
At the same time, the refrigerant passes through a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses 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 travels back indoors, moving through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it greatly, readying it to go through the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained properly, you’ll have efficient cooling on par with an energy-efficient air conditioner.
In heating mode, the heat exchange procedure occurs the other way around. By flowing in the opposite direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your house to warm the interior.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it turns too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your residence comfy, but your heating bills go up as a result.
Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t become as hot. This helps keep a more balanced indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps shift 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 using a heat pump.
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and economical. They are a substitute for the standard AC/furnace configuration and require the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the company to call. We’ll size and install your system to meet your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll uphold our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 866-397-3787 right away.
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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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