How a Heat Pump Cools Your Residence
In Windsor, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your home.
They look about the same as an air conditioner. In reality, they work in a nearly identical way during hot weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can shift warmth in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your home when it’s cold.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is track down the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If you discover you own a heat pump, or you’re thinking about buying one, learn more about how this HVAC equipment keeps residences comfy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can work like a ductless mini-split, as they can heat and cool. Heat pumps have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to transfer warmth. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help transfer warmth effectively.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts warmth. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The resulting cool air circulates through the ductwork and back into your home.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant passes through a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, leading it to warm up. As it moves through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the exterior. The refrigerant travels back inside, traveling through an expansion valve that cools it considerably, readying it to start the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained correctly, you’ll receive efficient cooling on par with an energy-saving air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
In heating mode, the heat exchange process occurs the opposite way. By flowing in the opposite direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your home to warm rooms.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it becomes too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your home cozy, but your heating bills increase as a result.
Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t turn as hot. This helps keep a more stable indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps transfer hot air rather than making it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating costs by installing a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are a green choice and cost-effective. They replace the standard AC/furnace system and need the same amount of maintenance—one appointment in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts is the contractor to contact. We’ll size and install your equipment to fit your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll back our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 226-773-3357 today.