In Hurricane, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your home.
They appear almost like an air conditioner. In fact, they run in the same way during hot weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can shift heat in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your home in the winter.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you need to do is track down the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re considering buying one, find out how this HVAC system keeps residences comfortable.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can run akin to a ductless mini-split, as they can heat and cool. Heat pumps rely on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to move humidity. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help move heat efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors blows over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out humidity. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and flows away. The ensuing cool air flows through the ductwork and back into your house.
During this time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, forcing it to heat up even more. As it goes through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outside. The refrigerant moves back indoors, passing through an expansion valve that chills it significantly, preparing it to start the process all over again.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained correctly, you’ll receive efficient cooling comparable to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange cycle happens the other way around. By traveling in the opposite direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your home to warm the inside.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most effective when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it turns too cold, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your house comfy, but your heating costs rise as a result.
Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t turn as warm. This helps maintain a more even indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps move heat rather than making it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating bills by using a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and economical. They replace the regular AC/furnace configuration and should have the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’d like to install a heat pump, Teays Valley Service Experts is the Expert to contact. We’ll size and install your unit to meet your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll uphold our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 304-760-5088 today.