How a Heat Pump Cools Your Home

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

They look very similar to an air conditioner. In fact, they operate in a similar fashion during hot weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can move humidity in the opposite direction as well as heat your home when it’s cold. 

Not sure if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is locate the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you find you have a heat pump, or you’re considering installing one, discover how this HVAC unit keeps houses cozy. 

How Heat Pumps Run 

Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can run similar to a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to shift heat. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help transfer heat efficiently. 

Summertime Cooling 

When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors blows over the coil, and the refrigerant removes heat. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and drains away. The following cool air circulates through the ductwork and back into your house. 

Meanwhile, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts 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 outside. The refrigerant travels back indoors, traveling through an expansion valve that cools it considerably, preparing it to begin the process all over again. 

When your heat pump is replaced and maintained properly, you’ll get efficient cooling comparable to an energy-saving air conditioner. 

Wintertime Heating 

In heating mode, the heat exchange procedure happens in reverse. By traveling in the opposite direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your home to warm the inside. 

Heat pumps running in heating mode are most effective when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it gets too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your residence cozy, but your heating expenses go up as a result. 

Heat pumps run longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t turn as hot. This helps keep a more even indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps transfer heat rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating bills by getting a heat pump. 

Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Today 

Heat pumps are a green choice and economical. They replace the traditional AC/furnace setup and should have the same amount of maintenance—one inspection 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 Expert to call. We’ll size and install your equipment to match your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll support our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 866-397-3787 today.