In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your residence.
They look very similar to an air conditioner. In fact, they work in the same way during the summer. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift heat in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your residence when temperatures drop.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just track down the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If you find you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking about buying one, discover how this HVAC equipment keeps homes comfortable.
Heat pumps use a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can operate like 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 heat. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help move humidity efficiently.
In cooling mode, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house blows over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts humidity. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and flows away. The resulting cold air moves 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 concentrates the refrigerant, forcing it to warm up. As it goes through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the exterior. The refrigerant travels back inside, moving through an expansion valve that chills it significantly, readying it to begin the process all over again.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll have efficient cooling equivalent to an energy-saving air conditioner.
In heating mode, the heat exchange procedure takes place the other way around. By moving in a different direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your residence to warm the interior.
Heat pumps running in heating mode are most effective when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it gets too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your home comfortable, but your heating expenses increase as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t become as warm. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps transfer warmth rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating costs by using a heat pump.
Heat pumps are good for the environment and money-saving. They are a substitute for the regular AC/furnace system and need 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 Expert to call. We’ll size and install your equipment to meet your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll uphold our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 866-397-3787 today.
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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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