How a Heat Pump Cools Your House
In Fort Myers, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your house.
They look almost like an air conditioner. In fact, they work in a similar fashion during warm weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can transfer humidity in the opposite direction as well as heat your residence when it's cold.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Simply find the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If it turns out you use a heat pump, or you’re thinking over purchasing one, learn more about how this HVAC unit keeps houses cozy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate akin to a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps rely on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to shift warmth. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help shift humidity effectively.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is set over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts humidity. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and drains away. The following dehumidified air moves through the ductwork and back into your house.
During this time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, causing it to get hotter. As it flows through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant heads back indoors, moving through an expansion valve that cools it significantly, readying it to go through the process all over again.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained properly, you’ll enjoy efficient cooling on par with a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure takes place the other way around. By traveling in the opposite direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your residence to warm the inside.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it gets too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your residence comfy, but your heating costs increase as a result.
Heat pumps run longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t turn as warm. This helps maintain a more balanced indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps shift warmth rather than making it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating costs by switching to a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are good for the environment and cost-effective. They are an alternative to 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’d like to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the Expert to contact. We’ll size and install your system to fit your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll support our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 239-908-6991 right away.
