How a Heat Pump Cools Your House

In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your home.

They appear very similar to an air conditioner. In actuality, they run in a nearly identical way during hot weather. Due to a reversing valve, they can shift warmth in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your home in the winter.

Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Simply find the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you discover you own a heat pump, or you’re thinking about buying one, discover how this HVAC system keeps homes comfy.

How Heat Pumps Work

Heat pumps have a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can work similar 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 transfer humidity. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help transfer humidity effectively.

Summertime Cooling

When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes heat. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing cool air moves through the ductwork and back into your home.

At the same time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, leading it to heat up even more. As it goes through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the outside. The refrigerant moves back into your house, passing through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it significantly, prepping it to begin the process all over again.

When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll receive efficient cooling on par with an energy-efficient air conditioner.

Wintertime Heating

When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure takes place the opposite way. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your home to warm rooms.

Heat pumps working in heating mode are most effective when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it gets too cold, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your home cozy, but your heating bills go up as a result.

Heat pumps run longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t become as hot. This helps sustain a more stable indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps move heat rather than making it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating bills by using a heat pump.

Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away

Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. They replace the standard AC/furnace configuration and need the same amount of maintenance—one checkup 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 Expert to call. We’ll size and install your equipment to match your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll back our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 866-397-3787 now.

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