In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your residence.
They seem about the same as an air conditioner. In fact, they work in a similar fashion during high temperatures. Because of a reversing valve, they can move heat in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your home 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 look it up online. If you discover you own a heat pump, or you’re thinking over buying one, learn more about how this HVAC unit keeps houses comfortable.
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can work like 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 warmth. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help move humidity properly.
In cooling mode, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house is set over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out humidity. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and drains away. The resulting cool air circulates through the ductwork and back into your home.
During this time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, leading it to heat up even more. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant travels back inside, traveling through an expansion valve that cools it considerably, readying it to go through the process from the start.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained appropriately, you’ll get efficient cooling on par with a high-performance air conditioner.
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange cycle happens in reverse. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your residence to warm the interior.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most effective when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it becomes too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your home comfortable, but your heating costs increase as a result.
Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t turn as warm. This helps keep a more stable indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps move heat rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating costs by switching to a heat pump.
Heat pumps are a green choice and cost-effective. They are an alternative to the traditional 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, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the company to contact. We’ll size and install your equipment to fit your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll uphold our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 866-397-3787 now.
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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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