In Tempe, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your home.
They appear very similar to an air conditioner. In fact, they run in the same way during hot weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can transfer heat in the opposite direction as well as heat your house in the winter.
Not sure if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is track down the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re thinking about purchasing one, find out how this HVAC system keeps houses cozy.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate similar to a ductless mini-split, as they can heat and cool. Heat pumps have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is moved through these coils to shift warmth. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help move warmth efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts humidity. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing cool air moves through the ductwork and back into your house.
At the same time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, leading it to warm up. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the exterior. The refrigerant heads back inside, passing through an expansion valve that chills it considerably, preparing it to start the process from the start.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained correctly, you’ll receive efficient cooling as good as a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange process takes place the other way around. By moving in the opposing direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your house to warm the inside.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it becomes too cold, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your house cozy, but your heating bills rise as a result.
Heat pumps run longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t turn as warm. This helps maintain a more balanced indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps shift hot air rather than making it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by using a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are a green choice and economical. They replace the standard AC/furnace setup and should have the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Orangutan Home Services is the company to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your unit to match your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll back our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 602-906-0111 now.