In Knoxville, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your house.
They seem very similar to an air conditioner. In reality, they operate in the same way during the summer. Because of a reversing valve, they can transfer humidity in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your house when temperatures drop.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you need to do is locate the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If you discover you own a heat pump, or you’re considering purchasing one, learn more about how this HVAC unit keeps homes comfy.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can run similar to a ductless mini-split, because 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 shift warmth. The outdoor unit also uses 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 within the house moves over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out heat. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and drains away. The resulting dehumidified air moves through the ductwork and back into your residence.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, leading it to heat up even more. As it goes through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outside. The refrigerant moves back into your house, passing through an expansion valve that chills it considerably, readying it to go through the process all over again.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained correctly, you’ll have efficient cooling on par with a high-performance 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 pulls heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your home to warm the interior.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most useful when the temperature is above freezing outside. If it turns too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater turns on to keep your residence comfy, but your heating costs increase as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces since the air doesn’t get as warm. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. On top of that, because heat pumps move hot air rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating bills by using a heat pump.
Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are a green choice and money-saving. They are an alternative to the standard AC/furnace setup and require the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, R & M Climate Control Service Experts is the Expert to contact. We’ll size and install your system to meet your heating and cooling demands. And then we’ll back our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 865-229-6176 now.