In Denver, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your house.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In reality, they operate in a similar fashion during high temperatures. Because of a reversing valve, they can transfer heat in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your home in the winter.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you need to do is locate the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If you find you own a heat pump, or you’re thinking over purchasing one, discover how this HVAC system keeps homes comfortable.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can work 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 pumped through these coils to transfer humidity. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help move humidity properly.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house moves over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts warmth. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and moves away. The resulting cool air moves through the ductwork and back into your home.
During this time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, causing it to get hotter. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the exterior. The refrigerant heads back into your house, passing through an expansion valve that cools it considerably, preparing it to begin the process from the start.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained appropriately, you’ll enjoy efficient cooling on par with an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure happens the other way around. By moving in a different direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your residence to warm rooms.
Heat pumps running in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it gets too cold, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your house comfortable, but your heating bills increase as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t get as heated. This helps keep a more even indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps move heat rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating bills by switching to a heat pump.
Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and economical. They are an alternative to the regular AC/furnace configuration 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, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to contact. We’ll size and install your unit to match your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll support our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 303-647-5853 today.