How a Heat Pump Cools Your Residence

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

They seem very similar to an air conditioner. In reality, they operate in the same way during the summer. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift humidity in the opposite direction as well as heat your home when temperatures drop.

Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just locate the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If you find you own a heat pump, or you’re considering getting one, discover how this HVAC equipment keeps homes cozy.

How Heat Pumps Operate

Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can operate akin to a ductless mini-split, as they can heat and cool. Heat pumps use an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to transfer warmth. The outdoor unit also has 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 is in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes heat. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and moves away. The resulting dehumidified 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 heat up even more. As it goes through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outside. The refrigerant moves back inside, moving through an expansion valve that cools it greatly, preparing it to go through the process from the start.

When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll have efficient cooling similar to a high-performance air conditioner.

Wintertime Heating

In heating mode, the heat exchange cycle occurs in reverse. By moving in the opposite direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your residence to warm the inside.

Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it gets too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your house comfortable, but your heating bills go up as a result.

Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t become as warm. This helps maintain a more even indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps shift heat rather than making it from a fuel source, they can perform 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 Right Away

Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and money-saving. They replace the standard AC/furnace configuration and require 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 company to call. We’ll size and install your unit to match your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll back our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 866-397-3787 today.