How a Heat Pump Cools Your House
In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your home.
They look very similar to an air conditioner. In actuality, they operate in a nearly identical way during hot weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift heat in the opposite direction as well as heat your home in the winter.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is track down the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If you discover you have a heat pump, or you’re considering installing one, find out how this HVAC equipment keeps residences cozy.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can work like 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 sent through these coils to shift warmth. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help move warmth effectively.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house moves over the coil, and the refrigerant removes humidity. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and flows away. The following dehumidified air flows through the ductwork and back into your residence.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant passes through a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, causing it to heat up even more. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the exterior. The refrigerant travels back indoors, moving through an expansion valve that cools it considerably, prepping it to begin the process from the start.
When your heat pump is put in and maintained properly, you’ll get efficient cooling on par with an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange process takes place the opposite way. By flowing in the opposite direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your residence to warm the inside.
Heat pumps running in heating mode are most useful when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it becomes too cold, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your house cozy, but your heating bills increase as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t get as hot. This helps maintain a more balanced indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps move warmth rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating costs by using a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are a green choice and economical. They replace the traditional AC/furnace system and should have the same amount of maintenance—one service 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 Expert to contact. We’ll size and install your equipment to match your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll uphold our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 866-397-3787 today.
