In Edmonton, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your home.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In actuality, they work in a nearly identical way during hot weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can transfer heat in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your home when temperatures drop.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Just track down the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If it turns out you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking about buying one, find out how this HVAC system keeps residences comfy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate similar to a ductless mini-split, because they can heat and cool. Heat pumps depend on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to transfer humidity. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help transfer warmth properly.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes humidity. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and flows away. The ensuing cool air circulates through the ductwork and back into your residence.
During this time, the refrigerant passes through a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, forcing it to warm up. As it moves through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the exterior. The refrigerant travels back inside, moving through an expansion valve that chills it greatly, preparing it to begin the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained appropriately, you’ll enjoy efficient cooling comparable to a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure takes place in reverse. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your house to warm the interior.
Heat pumps running in heating mode are most useful when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it gets too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your home cozy, but your heating bills increase as a result.
Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t become as warm. This helps keep a more balanced indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps shift heat rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating costs by getting a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are a green choice and economical. They are an alternative to the regular AC/furnace setup and should have the same amount of maintenance—one service in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’d like to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the contractor to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your unit to meet your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll uphold our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 587-404-0790 today.