In Jackson, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your home.
They look about the same as an air conditioner. In reality, they operate in a similar fashion during warm weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can move humidity 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? Simply track down the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If you discover you own a heat pump, or you’re considering installing one, find out how this HVAC system keeps homes cozy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate similar to a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps depend on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to shift humidity. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that work as a heat sink to help shift warmth properly.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant is 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, dropping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing cool air flows through the ductwork and back into your house.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, forcing it to warm up. As it moves through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the outside. The refrigerant travels back into your house, traveling through an expansion valve that chills it considerably, preparing it to start the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained correctly, you’ll receive efficient cooling similar to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange cycle occurs the other way around. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant removes heat from the outdoor air and disperses it into your residence to warm rooms.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it turns too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your home cozy, but your heating costs rise as a result.
Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t turn as warm. This helps sustain a more even indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps shift hot air rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can perform well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating costs by switching to a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are good for the environment and cost-effective. They are an alternative to the traditional AC/furnace system 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, Comfortech Service Experts is the contractor to call. We’ll size and install your unit to meet your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll uphold our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 601-852-3105 right away.