In Elkhart, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your home.
They appear very similar to an air conditioner. In actuality, they work in the same way during high temperatures. Because of a reversing valve, they can transfer heat in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your house when it's cold.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just find the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If it turns out you own a heat pump, or you’re thinking over getting one, find out how this HVAC system keeps houses comfy.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can work similar 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 move warmth. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help shift heat efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house blows 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 resulting dehumidified air moves through the ductwork and back into your house.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, causing it to warm up. As it goes through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant moves back inside, passing through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it considerably, prepping it to start the process all over again.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll get efficient cooling as good as a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange process occurs the opposite way. By flowing in the opposing direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your residence to warm the interior.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most useful when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it becomes too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your residence cozy, but your heating costs rise as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t become as hot. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps shift hot air rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating costs by using a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are good for the environment and economical. They are an alternative to the regular AC/furnace system and should have the same amount of maintenance—one inspection in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, BW/Cook Service Experts is the company to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your unit to fit your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll support our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 574-218-6404 now.