In Kitchener, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your house.
They appear very similar to an air conditioner. In reality, they run in a nearly identical way during hot weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can move warmth in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your residence in the winter.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you need to do is find the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you discover you own a heat pump, or you’re considering purchasing one, find out how this HVAC system keeps homes cozy.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can run akin to a ductless mini-split, because they can heat and cool. Heat pumps rely on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to shift humidity. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help shift heat properly.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes warmth. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and drains away. The resulting cool air circulates through the ductwork and back into your house.
At the same time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, forcing it to heat up even more. As it flows through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outside. The refrigerant travels back indoors, passing through an expansion valve that cools it significantly, prepping it to begin the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll get efficient cooling equivalent to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
In heating mode, the heat exchange cycle takes place the opposite way. By traveling in the opposite direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your residence to warm the inside.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it gets too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your residence comfortable, but your heating costs increase as a result.
Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t turn as warm. This helps keep a more even indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps transfer hot air rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating bills by getting a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are a green choice and cost-effective. They are an alternative to the regular AC/furnace system and need the same amount of maintenance—one inspection in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, Boehmers/Cronin Emery Home Services by Enercare is the contractor to contact. We’ll size and install your unit to match your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll support our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 519-804-1617 now.