In San Antonio, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your home.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In fact, they operate in the same way during the summer. Since they have a reversing valve, they can transfer humidity in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your house when it's cold.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is locate the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If it turns out you own a heat pump, or you’re thinking about buying one, learn more about how this HVAC system keeps homes cozy.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate akin to a ductless mini-split, because they can heat and cool. Heat pumps have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is moved through these coils to move heat. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help shift warmth efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes humidity. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and drains away. The ensuing dehumidified air flows through the ductwork and back into your residence.
During this time, the refrigerant passes through a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, causing it to heat up even more. As it moves through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outside. The refrigerant heads back inside, traveling through an expansion valve that chills it significantly, preparing it to begin the process all over again.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained correctly, you’ll have efficient cooling comparable to an energy-saving air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure takes place in reverse. By moving in the opposite 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 gets too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your residence cozy, but your heating costs go up as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t become as warm. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps move heat rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by installing a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are good for the environment and economical. They are an alternative to the standard AC/furnace system and should have the same amount of maintenance—one appointment in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’d like to install a heat pump, Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air is the company to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your equipment to fit your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll uphold our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 210-404-4233 right away.