In Fort Wayne, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your residence.
They appear almost like an air conditioner. In actuality, they work in the same way during high temperatures. Since they have a reversing valve, they can shift humidity in the opposite direction as well as heat your home when it's cold.
Not sure if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is track down the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If it turns out you have a heat pump, or you’re considering buying one, learn more about how this HVAC equipment keeps residences cozy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can run akin to a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps use an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is moved through these coils to transfer warmth. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help move humidity properly.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house moves over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts warmth. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing cold air circulates through the ductwork and back into your residence.
During this time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, causing it to warm up. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outside. The refrigerant heads back inside, moving through an expansion valve that chills it considerably, readying it to begin the process all over again.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained properly, you’ll have efficient cooling comparable to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange cycle takes place the opposite way. By moving in the opposite direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your house to warm the interior.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it gets too cold, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your house cozy, but your heating expenses go up as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t become as warm. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps shift hot air rather than making it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating costs by getting a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. They replace the traditional AC/furnace system and should have the same amount of maintenance—one appointment in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Rolf Griffin Service Experts is the company to call. We’ll size and install your unit to fit your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll back our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 260-557-1275 now.