In Austin, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your house.
They look almost like an air conditioner. In reality, they operate in a similar fashion during the summer. Because of a reversing valve, they can move warmth in the opposite direction as well as heat your house when it's cold.
Not sure if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner? Simply locate the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If you find you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking over getting one, discover how this HVAC system keeps houses comfy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps rely on 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 use an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to transfer humidity. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help shift humidity effectively.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes humidity. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and flows away. The ensuing cool air moves 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 heat up even more. As it moves through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant travels 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 receive efficient cooling similar to a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure occurs the opposite way. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your house to warm the inside.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it turns too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your house comfortable, but your heating expenses go up as a result.
Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t get as warm. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps move hot air rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating costs by switching to a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and economical. They replace the regular AC/furnace system and require the same amount of maintenance—one inspection in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, Strand Brothers Service Experts is the contractor to contact. 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 learn more, contact us at 512-592-3072 now.