How a Heat Pump Cools Your Residence

In Fort Lauderdale, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your residence. 

They seem very similar to an air conditioner. In fact, they run in a similar fashion during high temperatures. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift warmth in the opposite direction as well as heat your residence when it’s cold. 

Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is find the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re thinking about installing one, learn more about how this HVAC system keeps homes comfortable. 

How Heat Pumps Work 

Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can operate like a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps depend on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is moved through these coils to move warmth. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help shift humidity properly. 

Summertime Cooling 

When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house blows over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts heat. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The resulting cool air flows through the ductwork and back into your home. 

During this time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, causing it to heat up even more. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the exterior. The refrigerant travels back inside, passing through an expansion valve that chills it greatly, prepping it to go through the process all over again. 

When your heat pump is installed and maintained appropriately, you’ll receive efficient cooling comparable to an energy-efficient air conditioner. 

Wintertime Heating 

In heating mode, the heat exchange process occurs the opposite way. By traveling in a different direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your home to warm rooms. 

Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it becomes too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your home cozy, but your heating bills increase as a result. 

Heat pumps run longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t become as heated. This helps sustain a more even indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps transfer warmth rather than making it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by getting a heat pump. 

Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away 

Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and money-saving. They replace the standard AC/furnace system and should have the same amount of maintenance—one service in the spring and another in the fall. 

If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the contractor to contact. We’ll size and install your system to fit your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll uphold our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 954-736-4314 now.