How a Heat Pump Cools Your Residence

In West Chester, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your house.

They seem about the same as an air conditioner. In fact, they operate in a nearly identical way during warm weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift warmth in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your house when it's cold.

Not sure if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just find the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re considering buying one, find out how this HVAC equipment keeps homes cozy.

How Heat Pumps Run

Heat pumps have 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 have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is moved through these coils to shift heat. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help move humidity effectively.

Summertime Cooling

In cooling mode, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors blows over the coil, and the refrigerant removes humidity. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The resulting cool air flows through the ductwork and back into your home.

At the same time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, causing it to warm up. As it moves through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outside. The refrigerant heads back into your house, moving through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it greatly, readying it to begin the process from the start.

When your heat pump is replaced and maintained properly, you’ll receive efficient cooling comparable to an energy-saving air conditioner.

Wintertime Heating

In heating mode, the heat exchange cycle takes place the other way around. By moving in the opposing direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your residence to warm the interior.

Heat pumps running in heating mode are most effective when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it gets too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your residence comfy, but your heating bills go up as a result.

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

Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Today

Heat pumps are good for the environment and economical. They replace the regular AC/furnace system and need the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall.

If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Wesley Wood Service Experts is the company to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your system to match your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll support our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 484-401-7577 right away.