How Heat Pumps Work in the Summer
Heat pumps are not unlike traditional air conditioners in that they move heat from one area to another. In the summer, they use electricity to push heat from your home outdoors, and in the winter, they do the opposite and pump heat from the outside air into the house to keep you warm.
HOW HEAT PUMPS WORK
Although heat pumps are geared towards winter use, they provide warmth during the cold months; they can also be used for the hot season! But, let’s look at the basic functions of a heat pump and how they work.
Instead of burning fuel to cool and heat air, heat pumps focus on heat transfer which is far more efficient. Coils install under the surface level of your property and lead to your heat pump system inside your home. These geothermal coils absorb the earth’s natural warmth and send it to the heat pump system, which pushes it through the vents in your home.
These coils are installed outdoors but also have a use inside your home. Indoor coils install under your floor, which heats the surface, keeping your bare feet nice and toasty in the winter months.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEAT PUMPS
Ground source heat pumps are the standard version, but there are a couple of alternative types you could consider. Air source heat pumps are usually installed on your roof, which direct airflow from vents extending through your home or business’ ductwork.
Absorption heat pumps are powered by solar power, natural gas, or propane rather than electricity. Absorption heat pumps work by soaking ammonia in water. Then, this water source is pressurized by a low-power pump, which boils the ammonia out of the water.
Mini-split heat pumps are great for homes that don’t have air ducts. These mini-split systems hook up to your water source or in-home space heaters and distribute the collected energy instead of pushing it through ventilation.
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER INSTALLING A HEAT PUMP?
Heat pumps are worth considering for your home or business because they:
Cost Less
Because heat pumps collect heat from the environment, they are exceptionally energy efficient. You can expect to save money every month on your heating bills.
Exceptionally Safe
Standard furnaces often run on gas, posing risks for leaks, fires, and explosions. Since heat pumps don’t rely on gas to operate, they are generally a safer option for your home or business.
Improve Air Quality
When installing a heat pump, you won’t have to worry about purchasing an air purifier, humidifier, or dehumidifier to improve air quality. Heat pumps dehumidify the air in the summer and humidify it in the winter.
Run Quietly
While some HVAC systems can generate loud noises, electric heat pumps are silent.
HOW DOES A HEAT PUMP KEEP YOUR HOME OR BUILDING COOL?
Both air conditioners and heat pumps use refrigerants to absorb heat from the air through a set of coils, and then they release it through another set of coils located elsewhere. An air conditioning system removes heat from your home and brings it outside, cooling the interior during the summer.
During the winter, heat pumps absorb heat from the outdoor air and release it inside. However, unlike air conditioning, heat pumps can also reverse coolant flow through a special valve. This allows them to function as an air conditioning unit during the summer, using the indoor coils to absorb heat from your home, after which it’s released outside through the outdoor part of the system.
DO HEAT PUMPS REQUIRE SPECIAL MAINTENANCE?
Maintenance requirements for heat pumps are similar to those of air conditioners. Once a year, the coils should be cleaned, refrigerant levels should be checked, the fan and other moving parts should be lubricated and adjusted, and the electrical system should be inspected. Air filters should be checked monthly and changed at least every three months.
SCHEDULE SERVICE WITH QUALITY SYSTEMS HEATING & COOLING
If you would like to learn more about installing a heat pump in your home or business and are located in the Twin Cities Metro Area, Quality Systems Heating & Cooling would love to talk you through your options. Contact us today for a free quote, and start living and working indoors comfortably year-round.
We bring three generations of experience to our HVAC business and are leaders in the installation of advanced heat pump technologies in Minnesota. Financing options are available, and we promise kind and responsive customer service and expert craftsmanship.