Heat Pumps: What Are They and How Do They Work?

If you are new to HVAC systems, you might feel confused or overwhelmed by all the different types of systems. Many homeowners do not have sufficient knowledge about heating and cooling systems to make informed decisions, so they simply divert to whatever the HVAC technician recommends. This is not always the best idea, because they might not be taking into consideration all the important details of your particular home.

Heat pumps are one type of heating and cooling system that is available. In this quick guide, we will look at the basics of the heat pump and how it works.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is not actually a heating or cooling system all by itself, but rather it is a part of a heating and cooling system. The heat pump is installed outside your house. It can be used to cool the home, but it is also able to heat the home as well.

This piece of equipment is powered by electricity and can transfer heat by using refrigerant. This system works well for many homes to provide indoor environment control all year round. Many people feel that heat pumps are energy-efficient ways to heat the home.

Types of Heat Pumps

There are a few different types of heat pumps. Ducted air-source heat pumps and ductless air-source heat pumps are two different types.

How Does A Heat Pump Work?

The basic idea of the heat pump is to transfer heat from one place to another. An air-source heat pump will move heat between the air inside the house and the air outside. It is important to know that heat pumps do not generate heat. In this way, it is very different from a furnace which does generate heat.

Instead of generating heat, a heat pump absorbs heat energy from outside. Yes, this can even be done in very cold temps. The heat pump then transfers that heat into the house.

This is a big misconception that many homeowners have. This is one of the reasons why it is very important to do your research before investing in a heating or cooling system. You will want to know how that system works to better understand if it is going to serve your purposes or not. This is how the heat pump works in heating mode.

In cooling mode, the heat pump will absorb heat from the indoor air and release it outside.

Where Do Heat Pumps Work Best?

It is very important to consider the type of climate you live in when you are choosing the best heating or cooling system for your home. Because of the way that a heat pump functions, they are more suitable for mild climates. This means that homes located in areas that experience deep freezes that last for weeks at a time, would not benefit from a heat pump. In fact, a heat pump would not even be a safe option in that type of climate, because it could never create warm enough temps within the home to keep the residents safely warmed.

Categorised in: Heat Pumps

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