How a Heat Pump Cools Your Home

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

They seem very similar to an air conditioner. In actuality, they work in a similar fashion during hot weather. Due to a reversing valve, they can move humidity in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your house in the winter. 

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

How Heat Pumps Work 

Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate like a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps use an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to move warmth. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help shift warmth effectively. 

Summertime Cooling 

In cooling mode, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out warmth. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and drains away. The following cool air moves through the ductwork and back into your home. 

At the same 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 outdoor fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the exterior. The refrigerant travels back inside, passing through an expansion valve that chills it considerably, prepping it to begin the process from the beginning. 

When your heat pump is put in and maintained appropriately, you’ll receive efficient cooling as good as an energy-saving air conditioner. 

Wintertime Heating 

In heating mode, the heat exchange process happens in reverse. By moving in the opposing direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your residence to warm the inside. 

Heat pumps running in heating mode are most effective when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it turns too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your home comfortable, but your heating bills rise as a result. 

Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t get as hot. This helps sustain a more balanced indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating bills by installing a heat pump. 

Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Now 

Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and money-saving. They are a substitute for the standard AC/furnace setup and should have the same amount of maintenance—one inspection 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 contact. We’ll size and install your unit to meet your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll support our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 866-397-3787 right away. 

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