How Do Heat Pumps Work?

In the winter, a heat pump works like a heater, extracting heat energy from outside and transferring it inside. In the summer, the process reverses, and it will remove heat from your home and transfer it outside like an air conditioner. Heat pumps do this so well that many people in warmer climates exclusively rely on a heat pump for year-round comfort. For those living in colder climates, they use electric-powered heat pumps in conjunction with their gas or oil furnace resulting in lower heating costs.

Heat pumps work with a series of coils drawing energy from air, water, or the ground. In this way, they are very environmentally friendly and are the most energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home. Heat pumps also work extremely efficiently, because they simply transfer heat, rather than burn fuel to create it. This makes them a greener alternative to traditional gas or oil furnaces. Though you may think you’re unfamiliar with them, they traditionally heat swimming pools and hot tubs, so you most likely have come in contact with them and not even known it.

Different Types of Heat Pumps

There are three types of heat pumps: air-to-air, water source, and geothermal. As mentioned above, they collect their heat from the air, water, and outside-your-home ground and concentrate it for use. Call Pender Heating and Air Conditioning, to discuss the basic differences between these types and which one would work best for you and your home.

Are Heat Pumps Expensive?

Installation costs of heat pumps are higher than with a traditional furnace or air conditioner, but the savings over time in annual energy costs make up for the difference in five to ten years. Performing proper operation and maintenance of your heat pump will also save you money, as you’ll use less energy, thus resulting in less cost. Be sure to ask your HVAC professional for the proper thermostat setting and the indoor pump’s fan operation. Not following the recommended guidelines can inhibit the maximized running of the pump and can degrade the unit itself. Regular maintenance can prevent degradation as well. Consistent filter changing or cleaning is necessary for a well-running heat pump. Seasonal cleaning of coils and fans go a long way in preventing poor energy efficiency that can end up costing you more money. The energy difference between a well-maintained system and a neglected one can be anywhere from 10 to 25 percent.