In Waldorf, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your house.
They appear about the same as an air conditioner. In fact, they operate in a similar fashion during hot weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift warmth in the opposite direction as well as heat your home when it's cold.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you need to do is locate the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If you find you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking about purchasing one, discover how this HVAC unit keeps homes comfy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system similar to 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 moved through these coils to transfer humidity. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help move heat effectively.
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 sucks out humidity. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and drains away. The ensuing cool air moves through the ductwork and back into your residence.
At the same time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, leading it to heat up even more. As it flows through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the outside. The refrigerant moves back into your house, moving through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it considerably, prepping it to go through the process all over again.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained correctly, you’ll get efficient cooling comparable to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
In heating mode, the heat exchange process occurs the other way around. By flowing in the opposite direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your house to warm the inside.
Heat pumps running in heating mode are most effective when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it gets too cold, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your home comfortable, but your heating costs go up as a result.
Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t get as warm. This helps maintain a more even indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps move warmth rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating bills by switching to a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are a green choice and economical. They are an alternative to the regular AC/furnace system and need the same amount of maintenance—one service in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, A-PLUS Service Experts is the Expert to contact. We’ll size and install your equipment to fit your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll back our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 301-747-3140 right away.