In Charleston, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your home.
They seem about the same as an air conditioner. In reality, they work in a similar fashion during warm weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can transfer warmth in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your residence when temperatures drop.
Not sure if you have 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 own a heat pump, or you’re considering installing one, find out how this HVAC system keeps residences comfortable.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can work like 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 shift humidity. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help move humidity effectively.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts warmth. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and flows away. The resulting cool air moves through the ductwork and back into your house.
During this time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, leading it to warm up. As it moves through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant moves back inside, traveling through an expansion valve that cools it considerably, readying it to go through the process from the start.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained correctly, you’ll receive efficient cooling equivalent to a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange process takes place the opposite way. By flowing in the opposing direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your house to warm rooms.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it becomes too cold, a backup electric resistance heater starts 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 turn as heated. This helps sustain a more balanced indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps shift hot air rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can operate 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 Right Away
Heat pumps are a green choice and cost-effective. They are a substitute for the regular AC/furnace system and need the same amount of maintenance—one service in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, Pardee Service Experts is the company to contact. We’ll size and install your equipment to match your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll uphold our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 843-410-6103 right away.