In Calgary, heat pumps can be a popular solution for heating and cooling your house.
They appear about the same as an air conditioner. In actuality, they run in a nearly identical way during the summer. Since they have a reversing valve, they can move heat in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your home when it's cold.
Not sure if you rely on a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is track down the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If it turns out you use a heat pump, or you’re thinking over buying one, find out how this HVAC system keeps residences comfy.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps use a refrigeration system like an air conditioner. Most can operate akin to a ductless mini-split, as they can heat and cool. Heat pumps depend on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is moved through these coils to shift warmth. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help move warmth properly.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant is in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house is set over the coil, and the refrigerant removes warmth. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dripping into the condensate pan below and moves away. The ensuing cool air flows through the ductwork and back into your house.
During this time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, causing it to heat up even more. As it flows through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to exhaust heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant moves back inside, moving through an expansion valve that chills it greatly, prepping it to begin the process all over again.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained appropriately, you’ll receive efficient cooling comparable to a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange cycle happens in reverse. By traveling in the opposite direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and adds it into your house to warm the interior.
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 starts to keep your residence comfortable, but your heating costs increase as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t become as hot. This helps keep a more stable indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps move heat rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can operate well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating costs by switching to a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Now
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. They replace the traditional AC/furnace setup and require the same amount of maintenance—one checkup in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the Expert to call. We’ll size and install your equipment to fit your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll uphold our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To find out more, contact us at 403-279-5760 now.