How Does a Heat Pump Work During the Summer
Heat pumps are one of the most reliable and efficient heating and cooling systems on the market. Heat pumps are a versatile HVAC system because they provide both heating during the winter and cooling in the summer for year-round comfort.
If you’re looking to replace your heating and cooling system, consider investing in an electric heat pump unit. In our most recent blog, B&W touches on some of the benefits of having a heat pump installed in your Indianapolis home and how these maximum-efficiency systems operate during the hot, summer months.
How Does a Heat Pump Cool Your Home?
During the summer or warmer months, electric heat pumps work just like air conditioner systems. Each system has an evaporator coil at the indoor unit and a condenser coil at the outdoor unit. These coils are connected by two copper lines that circulate the Freon by the compressor. The Freon is pumped through the copper lines by the compressor, and the indoor unit blower circulates the air in the home.
The heat from the home is absorbed by the Freon as it passes across the evaporator coil. This heat in the Freon is then transferred to the outdoor unit and is released to the outdoors by passing through the outdoor coil with the assistance of the outdoor fan. You can feel the heat that’s being released from the house by placing your hand over the exhausted air at the outdoor unit. The refrigerant keeps cycling through the machine and continues transferring heat outdoors until the desired temperature is reached. The Freon will go from liquid to gas and change temperature and pressure as it is circulated throughout the system.
During the wintertime, the flow of Freon is reversed and provides heating to your Indianapolis home. During this process, the heat pump reversing valve reverses the flow of refrigerant. In heating mode, an air-source heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air and releases it inside your home. Ground-source heat pumps, meanwhile, transfer heat from the ground outside to the inside of your home.
The Benefits of Heat Pumps
For cooling purposes, some homeowners have a hard time telling heat pumps and central air conditioners apart. They look relatively similar, are located outside and they both use the same process for providing your home with cooling. Heat pumps usually have legs or stands to elevate them above the average snowfall. This helps keep the outdoor coil from being obstructed by snow and provides proper drainage during the defrost cycle. Just a few of the advantages of heat pumps include:
They provide heating and cooling
As we previously mentioned, one of the main advantages of heat pumps is their ability to provide your home with efficient heating and cooling, with a caveat. A hybrid system provides homeowners the best of both options. When the temperature is above freezing, your heat pump will save you money on your energy bill. When the temperature falls below freezing, your backup gas furnace or electric furnace will help keep you comfortable.
They’re energy efficient
Electric heat pumps are some of the most efficient HVAC systems on the market today. During the winter, they don’t rely on fossil fuels to heat the air in your house, and they can save on electricity costs during the summer. Not only will you be making a positive impact on the environment, but you’ll also be saving money on your monthly energy bills.
Contact B&W for Heat Pump Installation Services
Are you sold on the benefits of having a heat pump installed in your Indianapolis home? If so, contact the heating and air conditioning professionals at B&W to learn more about how heat pumps work or to schedule an appointment for installation services. No matter the climate, a heat pump system can help your home reach set temperatures far more effectively and efficiently.