How a Heat Pump Cools Your House

In Fort Lauderdale, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your residence. 

They seem very similar to an air conditioner. In fact, they work in a similar fashion during the summer. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift heat in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your house in the winter. 

Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Simply track down the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If it turns out you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking over getting one, discover how this HVAC unit keeps residences comfy. 

How Heat Pumps Run 

Heat pumps depend on a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate like a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps rely on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is pumped through these coils to move warmth. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help shift heat effectively. 

Summertime Cooling 

When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from inside the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts humidity. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and flows away. The following cool air moves through the ductwork and back into your residence. 

During this time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, forcing it to heat up even more. As it goes through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outside. The refrigerant moves back inside, traveling through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it greatly, readying it to go through the process all over again. 

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

Wintertime Heating 

In heating mode, the heat exchange process takes place in reverse. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your home to warm rooms. 

Heat pumps running in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it turns too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your residence cozy, but your heating bills increase as a result. 

Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t turn as warm. This helps keep a more balanced indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps move warmth rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can work 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 good for the environment and cost-effective. They replace the regular AC/furnace configuration and require 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 company to call. We’ll size and install your system to fit your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll back our installation with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 954-736-4314 right away.