In Cleveland, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your residence.
They seem about the same as an air conditioner. In reality, they run in a similar fashion during hot weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can move heat in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your house 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 run it online. If you find you own a heat pump, or you’re considering purchasing one, learn more about how this HVAC unit keeps residences comfy.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can work akin to a ductless mini-split, because 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 surrounded by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help shift heat 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 sucks out heat. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and flows away. The resulting cool air flows through the ductwork and back into your house.
At the same time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, causing it to warm up. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the exterior. The refrigerant moves back indoors, passing through an expansion valve that cools it significantly, readying it to go through the process from the start.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained correctly, you’ll receive efficient cooling as good as a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange process occurs the other way around. By moving in the opposite direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your house to warm rooms.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it gets too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your house cozy, but your heating bills increase as a result.
Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t get as hot. This helps maintain a more balanced 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 expenses by switching to a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are good for the environment and economical. They replace the standard AC/furnace configuration and should have the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your system to match your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll support our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 440-252-1375 now.