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What is a Heat Pump and How Does it Work?
While most people know about furnaces and air conditioners, many don’t know about another option that saves energy, uses less fuel and is environmentally friendly. That option is a heat pump, and here we explain a bit about what it is and how it works.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a single device used year round to heat and cool your home. It uses refrigerant and electricity, but requires no natural gas or propane to generate heat.
Essentially, heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another. In the winter, the heat from outside is brought inside to heat the home. In the summer, the heat in your home is pumped to the outdoors. When combined with indoor air quality products, a heat pump is an excellent way to eliminate dust and allergens from your home.
Heat pumps are available in different types, including air-to-air heat pumps (most common), geothermal heat pumps and water source heat pumps.
How does a heat pump work?
For air conditioning, refrigerant is pumped through the indoor coil and absorbs heat from the warm room so cool air comes through the home’s registers. The heat is pumped to the outdoor section, where the refrigerant releases it to the outside air.
For heating, the refrigerant cycle is reversed. It absorbs heat from the outdoor air. The refrigerant travels back to the indoor section and releases the heat into the home’s airstream. This works even when it is cold outside because the air still contains enough heat to heat the home.
Benefits of a heat pump
Lower energy costs
Heat pumps are highly efficient and don’t require burning fuel (natural gas or propane) to heat the home. Return on investment for a heat pump is quicker than for other heating and cooling options.
Less dependence on fuel
No fuel means you aren’t subject to the whims of the gas suppliers or the gas companies. Reduced fuel dependency means greater energy savings.
Provides heating and cooling
You only need one appliance for both heating and air conditioning, which means only one system to maintain.
