Heat pumps are one of the integral parts of heating and cooling systems. The heat pump is mainly installed outside the home. It can either be used to cool and heat the home. Heat pumps pull heat indoors from the external cool air during cooler months. While at warmer months, it gets heat out of the indoor air to make the home more relaxed and comfortable. Since heat pumps can work as heating and cooling, homeowners may not need to install a separate system for heating the homes. Heat pumps are environmentally friendly because they do not burn fossil fuels.
Common Types of Heat Pump
There are two significant types of heat pumps known ground source and air source.
- Ground-source heat pumps: This heat pump is often referred to as geothermal. It circulates heat between the air inside the home and the ground outside. However, these are costly to install but efficient and have lower operating costs because of the consistency of the ground temperature throughout the year.
- Air-source heat pumps: This pump circulates heat between indoor and outdoor air. They are commonly used in residential areas for heating and cooling.
How Heat Pumps Function
Heat pumps send heat from one place to another through air or heat sources. Irrespective of the name, ‘heat pump,’ they do not generate heat on their own. They only transfer heat from one place to another. The furnace typically creates heat and circulates it throughout the home. However, heat pumps absorb energy from external air and send it to the indoor air, even in winter. Heat pumps and air conditions function similarly when set at cooling mode. They absorb heat from the indoor air and send it through the outdoor unit.
What Type of Heating and Cooling is Best for the Home?
Several factors should be considered when considering the home’s best heating and cooling. The size of the home and the local climatic condition are mainly considered. Therefore a local HVAC technician can evaluate your specific home needs and know the proper heating and cooling system for your home.
Where Does A Heat Pump Works More Efficiently?
Before purchasing a heat pump unit, the climate condition of your home location should be checked. Heat pumps are more dominant in residential where the climate is milder and areas where the temperature does not go below freezing point. Heat pumps are often combined with furnaces in colder regions for energy-efficient heating in the home.
However, the system automatically uses a furnace to generate heat when the outside temperature drops too low for heat pumps to function effectively. This kind of heating and cooling system is called a dual fuel system. It is cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Conclusion
As a homeowner, it is pleasing to understand how heat pumps operate. However, if you do not understand the mechanism of a heat pump, then your HVAC technician can help you. This is why we always advise you to use a local HVAC technician. They have experience installing, maintaining and repairing heat pumps in the community.