In Girard, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your home.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In fact, they run in the same way during warm weather. Due to a reversing valve, they can move heat in the opposite direction as well as heat your home 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 run it online. If you find you own a heat pump, or you’re considering purchasing one, find out how this HVAC equipment keeps houses comfortable.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can work akin 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 move warmth. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help transfer humidity effectively.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house moves over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out humidity. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and flows away. The ensuing cool air flows through the ductwork and back into your residence.
At the same time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, causing it to get hotter. As it goes through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the exterior. The refrigerant travels back indoors, traveling through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it significantly, readying it to start the process all over again.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained appropriately, you’ll enjoy efficient cooling on par with an energy-saving air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange process takes place the other way around. By flowing in the opposite direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your house to warm the interior.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most effective when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it gets too cold, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your house cozy, but your heating expenses rise as a result.
Heat pumps run longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t become as warm. This helps keep a more even indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps shift warmth rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating bills by installing a heat pump.
Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are a green choice and economical. They replace the traditional AC/furnace setup and require the same amount of maintenance—one appointment in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the Expert to call. We’ll size and install your unit to fit your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll uphold our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 330-269-7235 now.