Heat pumps are an eco-friendly heating solution for those seeking a greener way to warm and cool their homes. They can also save you money on energy costs over time, reducing your bills and helping you avoid expensive utility charges.
Depending on the system and location of installation, there are a variety of options to choose from. Whole-house units with powerful compressors can take the place of a furnace and air conditioner in a central heating/cooling system, while smaller Heat Pump systems called mini-splits can be installed separately to provide heat to one room or multiple rooms.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
A heat pump is a type of air conditioner that can also be used as a space heater. These devices are a type of vapor-compression refrigeration system, and they include a reversing valve that changes the flow of refrigerant in the cycle from cooling to heating.
To do this, the heat pump’s compressor pressurizes a refrigerant in the condenser coil. When the pressure is reduced, the refrigerant becomes a liquid, releasing its heat. The liquid then flows through an expansion valve, which opens and sprays the refrigerant into the evaporator coils where it condenses into a vapor.
These vapors can then be distributed throughout the home to transfer the heat that the evaporator coils absorbed. When the thermostat calls for heat, the system starts to run and the vapors are distributed throughout the house, raising the indoor temperature.
Some of these vapors are then released as the outdoor unit starts to cool, which is why many heat pumps also have an air handler with a fan that can blow the cooled vapors out of the home, creating a cooling effect.
The efficiency of a heat pump is often expressed with a coefficient of performance (COP), or seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP). A COP is a measurement of the ratio of useful heat movement per work input.
A high COP value means that the heat pump can deliver more heat with less electricity, making it much more efficient than a standard electrical resistance heater.
In most cases, a high COP will also reduce your electric bills. The EPA estimates that a well-designed, low-energy-use heat pump can reduce energy usage by as much as 30% to 40%.
When paired with solar panels and other renewable energy sources, a heat pump can cut your electric bill even more. This is especially true in areas with moderate winter temperatures, where they can be an economical way to warm your home without a lot of extra work on your part.
Heat Pump Maintenance
A heat pump needs regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly and delivering efficient heat. This includes changing the filters regularly, cleaning the fans and coils, and ensuring that the unit is not blocked or damaged in any way.
If you have any questions about your heat pump, contact a professional who knows the system inside and out. They can help you diagnose any issues that may be causing problems and get them fixed quickly. They can also give you advice on ways to maintain the system to prevent problems in the future.