How a Heat Pump Cools Your Residence

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

They appear about the same as an air conditioner. In fact, they work in a nearly identical way during hot weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can transfer warmth in the opposite direction as well as heat your house in the winter. 

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

How Heat Pumps Work 

Heat pumps use a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can run similar to a ductless mini-split, because they can heat and cool. Heat pumps use an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to shift humidity. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help shift heat effectively. 

Summertime Cooling 

In cooling mode, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors blows over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts humidity. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The resulting dehumidified air moves through the ductwork and back into your residence. 

Meanwhile, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates 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 inside, traveling through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it greatly, readying it to start the process from the start. 

When your heat pump is put in and maintained properly, you’ll receive efficient cooling equivalent to an energy-efficient air conditioner. 

Wintertime Heating 

When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange cycle happens the opposite way. By moving in the opposing direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your house to warm rooms. 

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

Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t get as warm. This helps sustain a more stable indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps transfer hot air 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 installing a heat pump. 

Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away 

Heat pumps are good for the environment and economical. They are an alternative to the traditional AC/furnace setup and should have 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 contractor to call. We’ll size and install your system 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 today.