In Calgary, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your residence.
They look about the same as an air conditioner. In actuality, they run in the same way during high temperatures. Due to a reversing valve, they can transfer humidity in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your home in the winter.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you have to do is locate the model number on the outdoor unit and check it online. If it turns out you have a heat pump, or you’re considering installing one, discover how this HVAC equipment keeps homes comfy.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can run akin to a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps depend on an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is sent through these coils to shift humidity. The outdoor unit also has a compressor and is surrounded by metal fins that act as a heat sink to help transfer warmth effectively.
Summertime Cooling
When your heat pump is set to cooling, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house is distributed over the coil, and the refrigerant removes warmth. Water in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and flows away. The ensuing dehumidified air flows through the ductwork and back into your residence.
At the same time, the refrigerant moves a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This constricts the refrigerant, causing it to get hotter. As it moves through the condensing coil, the exterior fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outside. The refrigerant heads back into your house, passing through an expansion valve that cools it greatly, prepping it to start the process from the beginning.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll get efficient cooling comparable to a high-performance air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is heating, the heat exchange process happens the opposite way. By moving in the opposite direction, refrigerant extracts 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 gets too frigid, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your home comfy, but your heating costs increase as a result.
Heat pumps work longer than furnaces as the air doesn’t become as heated. This helps keep a more even indoor temperature. Additionally, because heat pumps move heat rather than generating it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You can anticipate 30–40% savings on your heating bills by using a heat pump.
Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Right Away
Heat pumps are a green choice and money-saving. They are an alternative to the regular AC/furnace setup and require the same amount of maintenance—one inspection in the spring and another in the fall.
If you’re interested in installing a heat pump, A1 Chesney Service Experts is the company to contact. We’ll size and install your equipment to meet your heating and cooling needs. And then we’ll support our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. To learn more, contact us at 587-315-5271 right away.