In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your house.
They look about the same as an air conditioner. In fact, they run in a similar fashion during hot weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can shift warmth in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your house when temperatures drop.
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 find you use a heat pump, or you’re thinking over getting one, discover how this HVAC unit keeps homes comfortable.
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate similar 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 move humidity. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help transfer heat effectively.
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house is set over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out warmth. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and moves away. The following cold air circulates through the ductwork and back into your residence.
At the same time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, forcing it to get hotter. As it goes through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outside. The refrigerant moves back into your house, moving through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it significantly, readying it to start the process all over again.
When your heat pump is put in and maintained appropriately, you’ll get efficient cooling equivalent to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
In heating mode, the heat exchange cycle happens the other way around. By moving in the opposing direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your house to warm rooms.
Heat pumps running in heating mode are most useful when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it gets too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your home cozy, but your heating bills go up as a result.
Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t get as heated. This helps maintain a more balanced indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps shift hot air rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating costs by switching to a heat pump.
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and economical. They replace the regular AC/furnace setup and require the same amount of maintenance—one appointment 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 company to contact. We’ll size and install your equipment to meet your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll support our services 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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