In Wheeling, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your residence.
They seem 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 warmth in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your residence in the winter.
Not sure if you use 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 own a heat pump, or you’re thinking about installing one, find out how this HVAC system keeps homes comfortable.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate like 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 moved through these coils to shift humidity. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help move warmth efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes heat. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing dehumidified air flows through the ductwork and back into your home.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, causing it to heat up even more. As it goes through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the exterior. The refrigerant heads back into your house, traveling through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it considerably, preparing it to start the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained correctly, you’ll have efficient cooling as good as an energy-saving air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure happens the opposite way. By moving in the opposite direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your home to warm rooms.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it turns 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 are on longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t get as warm. This helps maintain a more balanced indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps transfer warmth 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 installing a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are a green choice and money-saving. They are an alternative to the standard AC/furnace configuration and need the same amount of maintenance—one service in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’d like to install a heat pump, Comfort Masters Service Experts is the Expert to call. We’ll size and install your equipment to fit your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll back our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 847-250-6729 now.