In Belleville, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your house.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In reality, they run in the same way during warm weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can shift warmth in the opposite direction as well as heat your home in the winter.
Not sure if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just find the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If it turns out you have a heat pump, or you’re considering getting one, learn more about how this HVAC equipment keeps houses comfy.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps use a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can run similar to a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps depend on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to move heat. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help transfer warmth effectively.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house blows over the coil, and the refrigerant removes humidity. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and moves away. The following cold air moves through the ductwork and back into your home.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant passes through a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, leading it to get hotter. As it moves through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outside. The refrigerant travels back indoors, passing through an expansion valve that chills it considerably, preparing it to go through the process from the start.
When your heat pump is put in and maintained appropriately, you’ll receive efficient cooling as good as an energy-saving air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange process takes place the other way around. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your home to warm rooms.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it turns too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your home comfortable, but your heating expenses go up as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t turn as heated. This helps keep a more balanced indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps shift heat rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating costs by using a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. They replace the traditional AC/furnace setup and should have the same amount of maintenance—one service in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, D&K Home Services by Enercare is the company to call. We’ll size and install your system to match your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll back our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 613-707-2421 right away.