In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your residence.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In reality, they run in the same way during warm weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can move warmth in the opposite direction as well as heat your home in the winter.
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 look it up online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re considering purchasing one, find out how this HVAC system keeps homes comfortable.
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can work similar 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 move warmth. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help transfer warmth properly.
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is set over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts heat. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and drains away. The ensuing cool air circulates through the ductwork and back into your house.
At the same time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts 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 exterior. The refrigerant moves back indoors, traveling through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it significantly, prepping it to go through the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is put in and maintained appropriately, you’ll get efficient cooling similar to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange cycle happens in reverse. By traveling in the opposite direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your house to warm the interior.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it turns too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your residence cozy, but your heating costs rise as a result.
Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t get as heated. This helps keep a more stable indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps transfer hot air rather than making it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating costs by switching to a heat pump.
Heat pumps are good for the environment and economical. They are a substitute for the standard AC/furnace configuration and require the same amount of maintenance—one service 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 contractor to contact. We’ll size and install your equipment to meet your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll support our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 866-397-3787 right away.
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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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