How a Heat Pump Cools Your House

In the U.S., heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your house. 

They look about the same as an air conditioner. In actuality, they operate in a nearly identical way during high temperatures. Because of a reversing valve, they can move humidity in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your home when temperatures drop. 

Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is find the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re considering buying one, discover how this HVAC system keeps houses comfortable. 

How Heat Pumps Operate 

Heat pumps have a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can run similar to a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps rely on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is moved through these coils to move heat. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help transfer heat effectively. 

Summertime Cooling 

In cooling mode, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from inside 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 moves away. The ensuing cool air flows through the ductwork and back into your house. 

During this time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, leading it to get hotter. As it moves through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant travels back indoors, moving through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it significantly, readying it to go through the process all over again. 

When your heat pump is installed and maintained appropriately, 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 occurs the other way around. By flowing in the opposing direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your house to warm the inside. 

Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most effective when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it gets too cold, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your residence comfortable, but your heating bills increase as a result. 

Heat pumps work longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t become as hot. This helps sustain a more balanced indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps transfer warmth rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating costs by installing a heat pump. 

Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away 

Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and economical. They are a substitute for the traditional AC/furnace configuration and require the same amount of maintenance—one inspection in the spring and another in the fall. 

If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the company to call. We’ll size and install your system to match your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll back our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 866-397-3787 now.