In Jacksonville, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your residence.
They appear almost like an air conditioner. In fact, they work in the same way during warm weather. Since they have a reversing valve, they can transfer warmth in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your home in the winter.
Not sure if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner? Simply locate the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If it turns out you own a heat pump, or you’re considering purchasing one, learn more about how this HVAC unit keeps houses comfortable.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps use a refrigeration system much like an air conditioner. Most can work akin to a ductless mini-split, because they can heat and cool. Heat pumps use an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to transfer heat. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help transfer humidity properly.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant begins in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes warmth. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and drains away. The ensuing cold air moves through the ductwork and back into your residence.
At the same time, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, causing it to get hotter. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to discharge heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant heads back inside, traveling through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it significantly, preparing it to start the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is replaced and maintained appropriately, you’ll get efficient cooling as good as an energy-saving air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure takes place the opposite way. By traveling in the opposite direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your home to warm rooms.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it becomes too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your home comfortable, but your heating costs increase as a result.
Heat pumps are on longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t turn as warm. This helps sustain a more even indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps transfer hot air rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating costs by using a heat pump.
Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are a green choice and money-saving. 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 want to install a heat pump, Air Engineers Service Experts is the company to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your unit to meet your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll support our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 904-450-5672 right away.