In Saint Charles, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your residence.
They appear very similar to an air conditioner. In actuality, they run in the same way during hot weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift heat in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your residence in the winter.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you need to do is find the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re thinking over installing one, learn more about how this HVAC system keeps homes comfortable.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps use a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can operate 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 pumped through these coils to move humidity. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help transfer warmth efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes warmth. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and drains away. The ensuing cool 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, leading it to get hotter. As it goes through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant moves back into your house, passing through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it greatly, readying it to start the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is put in and maintained correctly, you’ll enjoy efficient cooling on par with an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange cycle occurs the other way around. By traveling in the opposite direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your residence to warm rooms.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it gets too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your house cozy, but your heating expenses rise as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t turn as hot. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps shift hot air rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating bills by switching to a heat pump.
Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are good for the environment and economical. They are an alternative to the standard AC/furnace configuration 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, Golden Seal Service Experts is the Expert to call. We’ll size and install your equipment to match your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll back our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 630-246-2698 today.