Heat Pumps: A Primer

With rising energy costs and potential legislation to curb the use of natural gas to heat homes, heat pumps are increasingly becoming an attractive option for homeowners throughout New York. But what is a heat pump, and how does it work? This article will explain the basics of this groundbreaking HVAC technology.

What is a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are a type of system that both heats and cools your home. They transfer heat in a specific direction, depending on the season. For example, during the winter, it brings outdoor environmental warmth into your home, and in the summer, it transfers heat from your home to the outside.

Consumers can choose from many options on the market. For example, heat pumps can be connected to your existing ductwork or used like a mini-split system, providing heat to spaces without ducts. Further, different systems draw heat from various ground, air, and water sources.

Heat pumps work as both Air Conditioners and Heaters. In air conditioning mode, they work as a traditional AC unit, using a refrigerant to absorb heat inside your home and expel it outdoors. However, the real magic of a heat pump is its unique ability to reverse refrigerant flow and use it to absorb environmental heat and bring it into your home.

“Wait a minute,” you say, “How does refrigerant have the ability to absorb heat from cold outside air?” First, the refrigerant is very cold, so naturally, it will absorb environmental heat. Second, the heat pump vaporizes and compresses the refrigerant, which creates even more heat. Once that process finishes, the warm air flows into your home.

Heat Pump Benefits

On the air conditioning side, heat pumps use the latest cooling technology to increase energy efficiency. And on the heating side, there are many units available which are more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional heating sources. This can help you realize significant savings during the winter months.

Is a Heat Pump Right for You?

Not all heat pump systems are equal in performance so choosing the right system for your home is critical in how that system will operate for you. Contact a qualified and licensed HVAC expert to find out which is right for you.