In Roanoke, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your home.
They seem very similar to an air conditioner. In actuality, they operate in the same way during warm weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift heat in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your residence when it's cold.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just locate the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you discover you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking about purchasing one, learn more about how this HVAC unit keeps houses cozy.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can operate similar to a ductless mini-split, as they can heat and cool. Heat pumps rely on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to shift heat. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help move warmth properly.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house moves over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out humidity. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and drains away. The resulting cool air moves through the ductwork and back into your house.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, leading it to get hotter. As it flows through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant heads back indoors, traveling through an expansion valve that cools it significantly, preparing it to go through the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is put in and maintained correctly, you’ll enjoy efficient cooling as good as a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange cycle takes place the other way around. By traveling in a different direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and disperses 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 becomes too cold, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your home comfortable, but your heating expenses increase as a result.
Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t become as heated. This helps keep a more balanced indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps shift warmth rather than making it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by getting a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are good for the environment and cost-effective. They replace the standard AC/furnace configuration and need the same amount of maintenance—one inspection in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’d like to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to call. We’ll size and install your unit to match your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll uphold our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 540-302-8645 right away.