In Charlotte, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your residence.
They appear almost like an air conditioner. In fact, they run in the same way during warm weather. Due to a reversing valve, they can move humidity in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your residence in the winter.
Not sure if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you need to do is locate the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If you find you own a heat pump, or you’re considering purchasing one, learn more about how this HVAC system keeps houses comfy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can work 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 warmth. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help move heat efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors blows over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts heat. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The following cold air flows through the ductwork and back into your residence.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, causing it to get hotter. As it goes through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant travels back inside, moving through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it greatly, prepping it to go through the process all over again.
When your heat pump is put in and maintained appropriately, you’ll get efficient cooling comparable to a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange cycle takes place the opposite way. By flowing in the opposite direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your residence to warm rooms.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it gets too cold, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your home cozy, but your heating expenses go up as a result.
Heat pumps run longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t become as heated. This helps sustain a more stable indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps move heat rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by installing a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and economical. They replace the regular AC/furnace system and should have the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Komfort Air Service Experts is the Expert to call. We’ll size and install your system to meet your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll back our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 704-705-8135 today.