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 reality, they work in a similar fashion during high temperatures. Due to a reversing valve, they can transfer heat in the opposite direction as well as heat your home when temperatures drop.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just locate the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re thinking about getting one, discover how this HVAC unit keeps residences comfy.
Heat pumps use 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 depend on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is moved through these coils to shift warmth. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help transfer humidity efficiently.
In cooling mode, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house blows over the coil, and the refrigerant removes heat. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and drains away. The resulting cold air circulates through the ductwork and back into your house.
During this time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, forcing it to warm up. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant heads back indoors, passing through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it considerably, prepping it to go through the process all over again.
When your heat pump is put in and maintained properly, you’ll get efficient cooling equivalent to a high-performance air conditioner.
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange procedure occurs in reverse. By flowing in the opposite direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your home to warm rooms.
Heat pumps running in heating mode are most effective when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it becomes too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your home comfortable, but your heating expenses go up as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t become as hot. This helps maintain a more balanced indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps transfer warmth rather than making it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating bills by switching to a heat pump.
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and money-saving. They are a substitute for the standard AC/furnace system and require the same amount of maintenance—one appointment 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 contractor to call. We’ll size and install your system to match your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll uphold our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, 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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