How a Heat Pump Cools Your Residence

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

They appear about the same as an air conditioner. In fact, they run in a nearly identical way during high temperatures. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift heat in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your residence when it’s cold. 

Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just find the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If you find you own a heat pump, or you’re thinking over installing one, learn more about how this HVAC equipment keeps houses comfortable. 

How Heat Pumps Operate 

Heat pumps have a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can work like 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 heat. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help move warmth properly. 

Summertime Cooling 

In cooling mode, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is set over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out heat. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and flows away. The following dehumidified air moves through the ductwork and back into your house. 

At the same time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, causing it to get hotter. As it moves through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outside. The refrigerant heads back indoors, traveling through an expansion valve that cools it greatly, readying it to begin the process from the beginning. 

When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll get efficient cooling as good as an energy-saving air conditioner. 

Wintertime Heating 

When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure occurs in reverse. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your home to warm rooms. 

Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most effective when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it becomes too cold, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your house comfortable, but your heating bills increase as a result. 

Heat pumps run longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t turn as heated. This helps sustain a more stable indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps move warmth rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by getting a heat pump. 

Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Now 

Heat pumps are good for the environment and cost-effective. They are a substitute for the traditional AC/furnace configuration and should have the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall. 

If you want to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the company to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your equipment to meet your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll back our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 866-397-3787 today.