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 look very similar to an air conditioner. In actuality, they run in a nearly identical way during warm weather. Due to a reversing valve, they can transfer heat in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your residence when it’s cold. 

Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just find the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re thinking about getting one, find out how this HVAC system keeps residences cozy. 

How Heat Pumps Work 

Heat pumps use a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can run akin to a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps depend on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to transfer warmth. 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 

When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors moves over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out humidity. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and drains away. The following cold air flows through the ductwork and back into your residence. 

Meanwhile, the refrigerant passes through a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, causing it to warm up. As it goes through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the exterior. The refrigerant travels back indoors, traveling through an expansion valve that chills it significantly, readying it to go through the process from the beginning. 

When your heat pump is put in and maintained appropriately, you’ll get efficient cooling equivalent to an energy-saving air conditioner. 

Wintertime Heating 

When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange process happens the other way around. By flowing in the opposite direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your house to warm rooms. 

Heat pumps running in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it becomes too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your home cozy, but your heating costs rise as a result. 

Heat pumps run longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t get as heated. This helps keep a more balanced indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps shift warmth rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating bills by switching to a heat pump. 

Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Today 

Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and economical. They replace the traditional AC/furnace system and should have the same amount of maintenance—one service in the spring and another in the fall. 

If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the company to call. We’ll size and install your system to meet your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll uphold our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 866-397-3787 right away.