In Ocala, heat pumps can be a popular option for heating and cooling your residence.
They seem almost like an air conditioner. In fact, they operate in a nearly identical way during high temperatures. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift warmth in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your residence when it's cold.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? Simply find the model number on the outdoor unit and look it up online. If it turns out you own a heat pump, or you’re thinking about buying one, discover how this HVAC system keeps houses comfy.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can work similar 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 pumped through these coils to move humidity. The outdoor unit also uses a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help move humidity properly.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house moves over the coil, and the refrigerant sucks out warmth. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, dropping into the condensate pan below and flows away. The ensuing cool air circulates through the ductwork and back into your home.
At the same time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This concentrates the refrigerant, forcing it to warm up. As it flows through the condensing coil, the outside fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant heads back indoors, traveling through an expansion valve that lowers its temperature it greatly, preparing it to go through the process from the start.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll enjoy efficient cooling on par with a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange procedure takes place the opposite way. By moving in a different direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your residence to warm the interior.
Heat pumps operating in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature remains above freezing outside. If it becomes too cold, a backup electric resistance heater starts to keep your home cozy, but your heating costs increase as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t become as hot. This helps maintain a more even indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps shift warmth rather than making it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You should expect 30–40% savings on your heating costs by getting a heat pump.
Schedule Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are good for the environment and money-saving. They replace the regular AC/furnace configuration and should have the same amount of maintenance—one appointment in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the contractor to get in touch with. We’ll size and install your equipment to fit your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll back our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 352-414-4006 today.