In Longmont, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your house.
They appear almost like an air conditioner. In actuality, they work in the same way during warm weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can move heat in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your house when it's cold.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just locate the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If it turns out you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking over getting one, learn more about how this HVAC equipment keeps houses cozy.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can work akin to a ductless mini-split, as they can heat and cool. Heat pumps have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent 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 shift heat efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors moves over the coil, and the refrigerant removes heat. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and drains away. The following cool air circulates through the ductwork and back into your home.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant passes through a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, leading it to heat up even more. As it moves through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant heads back inside, traveling through an expansion valve that chills it greatly, readying it to go through the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained appropriately, you’ll have efficient cooling on par with an energy-saving air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange process takes place in reverse. By moving in a different direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your home to warm rooms.
Heat pumps running in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it gets too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your home comfortable, but your heating costs go up as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t get as heated. This helps keep a more even indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps shift warmth rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by switching to a heat pump.
Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are good for the environment and cost-effective. They are a substitute for the regular AC/furnace configuration and should have the same amount of maintenance—one appointment in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the contractor 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 303-647-5749 now.