In Houston, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your house.
They appear almost like an air conditioner. In reality, they run in the same way during the summer. Since they have a reversing valve, they can transfer heat in the opposite direction as well as add warmth to your house when it's cold.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is find the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If it turns out you have a heat pump, or you’re thinking about getting one, discover how this HVAC system keeps houses comfortable.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps rely on a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can run 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 sent through these coils to shift humidity. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is enclosed by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help shift warmth effectively.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is cooling, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from indoors is set over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts heat. Moisture in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing cold 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 compresses the refrigerant, forcing it to heat up even more. As it moves through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant travels back indoors, traveling through an expansion valve that chills it considerably, prepping it to begin the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained properly, you’ll enjoy efficient cooling comparable to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
In heating mode, the heat exchange process takes place the other way around. By flowing in the opposing direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your home to warm the inside.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it gets too chilly, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your residence comfy, but your heating bills go up as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t turn as heated. This helps sustain a more stable indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps shift hot air rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating bills by using a heat pump.
Book Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are good for the environment and economical. They are a substitute for the regular AC/furnace setup and require the same amount of maintenance—one inspection in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’d like to install a heat pump, Church Services is the Expert to call. We’ll size and install your system to fit your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll uphold our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 713-396-3760 right away.