How Heat Pumps Work
Efficient Temperature Control with Heat Pumps
Heat pumps play a dual role in maintaining the ideal temperature within your home, either by providing warmth or coolness through the transfer of heat between indoor and outdoor spaces. Their unique mechanism of transferring heat instead of generating it contributes to their heightened energy efficiency.
In the warmer months, the heat pump functions akin to an air conditioner, extracting heat from the indoor air and expelling it outdoors.
Conversely, during colder periods, the heat pump reverses its operation, capturing heat from the outdoor air and channeling it into your home’s interior. Surprisingly, even on a day with a temperature as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a heat pump can generate sufficient heat to keep your home cozy.
A standard heat pump comprises an outdoor unit, similar to a central air conditioning system, and an indoor unit known as an air handler. A crucial component, the compressor, circulates refrigerant (commonly known as freon, R22, or R410A), absorbing and releasing heat as it traverses between the outdoor and indoor units.
Ideal for moderate climates, heat pumps efficiently heat homes, even when external temperatures dip into the low 20s. In cases of extremely low temperatures, a supplementary heating source may be advisable for optimal comfort.
