In Miami, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your house.
They appear about the same as an air conditioner. In reality, they operate in the same way during hot weather. Due to a reversing valve, they can transfer 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? Just locate the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If you find you own a heat pump, or you’re thinking about getting one, learn more about how this HVAC equipment keeps residences cozy.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps use a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can operate similar to a ductless mini-split, because they can heat and cool. Heat pumps have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to move heat. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help shift heat properly.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is set over the coil, and the refrigerant removes warmth. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and flows away. The ensuing dehumidified air flows through the ductwork and back into your home.
At the same time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, causing it to heat up even more. As it goes through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the exterior. The refrigerant heads back indoors, moving through an expansion valve that cools it significantly, prepping it to go through the process from the start.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained appropriately, you’ll have efficient cooling comparable to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange cycle happens the opposite way. By traveling in the opposing direction, refrigerant extracts heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your residence to warm rooms.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most useful when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it becomes too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your house comfy, but your heating bills rise as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t get as warm. This helps keep a more balanced indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps move hot air rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating costs by getting a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are a green choice and money-saving. They are a substitute for the traditional AC/furnace system and should have the same amount of maintenance—one appointment in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’d like to install a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the contractor to call. We’ll size and install your equipment to match your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll support our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 305-440-1505 now.