Considering a Heat Pump System? Here’s What You Need to Know

August 21, 2023

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If you’re unhappy with how much you pay per month for heating and air conditioning, then you may want to consider an alternative heating and cooling system: a heat pump system. Compared to furnaces and baseboard heaters, a heat pump system can lower your electricity use for heating by about 50%. Here’s what you need to know about heat pumps before you make the switch.

The Three Types of Heat Pumps

There are two types of heat pumps: water source and air-to-air. These pumps collect heat from the ground outside the home, water or air.

In cooling mode, the refrigerant in the compressor is transformed into a high-pressure hot gas that moves through the outdoor coil of the unit. A fan then blows air across the hot refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to cool down. The refrigerant goes through a metering device to lower its pressure and evaporate it back into its vapor state. The refrigerant then moves through the indoor evaporator coils and is released indoors as cool air.

In heating mode, the refrigerant in the compressor is transformed into a hot gas. This time, the refrigerant passes through the indoor coil first, and then goes on to the outdoor coil where it absorbs heat from the outside air.

The Benefits of Heat Pumps

Compared to standard central air conditioners, high-efficiency heat pumps are better at dehumidifying which leads to less energy usage.

Key Facts to Keep in Mind

Replacing your furnace with a heat pump doesn’t mean you’ll be relieved of maintenance responsibilities. You’ll still need to make sure filters are changed regularly, coils and fans are cleaned and refrigerant is not leaking.

Before you go out and purchase the largest heat pump on the market, schedule an inspection to identify a heat pump brand and model that would fit your home’s cooling and heating needs. Give Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter a call and we’ll help you get started.ways running as efficiently as possible.

Read more tips about your heat pump system on our blog or call to schedule your service for heat heater installation, inspection, or repair.