Answer: Simply put, a heat pump moves heat from one place to another. It differs from other HVAC systems in that it uses energy to absorb heat from outside and transfer it inside. It raises the temperature of the air during compression and exchange and lowers the temperature of the air as a result of the reverse process.
That’s what makes a heat pump so attractive: its ability to cool a house on hot days and heat it on cold days. This dual purpose energy saving system can save a lot of money in the long run rather than investing in separate heating and cooling systems.
Air conditioners, ovens and heat pumps are all HVAC systems. However, the heat pump can operate independently and perform both heating and cooling. In some cases, it would be ideal to pair it with a backup system like a stove, but it has enough power to bring both heat and cool air into your home.
There are several types of heat pumps on the market, but in most models the larger unit is installed outside and the smaller, more compact or wall-mounted unit is installed indoors. These types of heat pumps are called channelless. Other pumps only have an outdoor unit or an underground loop.
The heat pump collects the heat that is outside in the ground or in the air, regardless of the outside temperature. The pump brings heat into the system, compresses it to raise the temperature of the refrigerant, and then blows hot air into the house. When it gets hot, the system reverses and works like an air conditioner, moving heat from the room to the outside.
Heat pumps use various components to operate. There are two types of compressors: two-speed and scroll. A two-speed compressor helps the pump reach the ideal temperature, while a scroll compressor compresses the refrigerant to heat the air. In addition, variable speed motors are located on the system’s internal or external fans and help maintain a constant airflow from the unit to the home.
The main difference between an air pump and a ground (or ground source) pump is the heat source. Air source pumps have an outdoor unit and an indoor duct that extracts heat from the outdoor air and transports it indoors. This type of heat pump can also be used in combination with an air hot water heat pump to provide hot water to owners.
Geothermal heat pumps use a buried loop pipe system to collect and transfer heat from the ground. These types of pumps are more suitable for large facilities where there is room for pipes to be laid underground. Ground source pumps are also more efficient in winter because they are constantly extracting heat from the ground.
The most efficient heat pump depends on the specific use of the pump, its energy consumption, noise level, installation and maintenance costs, and the size of the property.
While heat pumps can indeed keep your home warm in the winter, they can run longer in colder climates and can drop below freezing. When a heat pump collects heat from outside, it becomes difficult when the air gets cold enough. Ground source heat pumps are more efficient than air source heat pumps in winter, but homeowners may want to consider adding to their heat pumps if they live in colder climates.
For these rooms, the heat pump must work in tandem with the stove. On days when the temperature is too low for the heat pump, the stove will be used to heat the house. This can save money in winter if natural gas prices are lower than electricity prices.
Dirty heat pump components such as coils, filters and fans can change the air quality in your home. It is extremely important to keep the heat pump clean and to keep all parts in good condition. If the pump is not serviced regularly, the system can be damaged and eventually stop working properly, forcing the homeowner to replace it.
Heat pump filters need to be replaced about once a month, more often if necessary, to keep the air passing through them clean and stable. In addition, the fan may need to be dusted and cleaned both inside and out, as well as the coils.
Be careful when cleaning the pump to make sure nothing is damaged or incorrectly replaced. If you encounter any problems, please refer to the manufacturer’s manual or contact a professional. Homeowners can call in a technician to check for leaks, damaged components, refrigerant temperature or pressure, and airflow.
Sometimes problems can occur inside plumbing, in the ground, or inside a device that the homeowner cannot see or diagnose. To find the problem, you need to contact specialists who know the system inside and out. Once discovered, they will be able to offer a solution and possibly give advice to prevent this from happening again in the future.
If the air is not moving smoothly, the temperature is not rising, cold air is being blown out instead of heat, or the system isn’t working properly, it’s time to call in a professional. Be sure to ask questions and ask for help when needed.