In Edmonton, heat pumps can be a popular choice to heat and cool your residence.
They appear almost like an air conditioner. In fact, they work in a nearly identical way during warm weather. Because of a reversing valve, they can shift humidity in the opposite direction as well as add comfort to your residence when it's cold.
Not sure if you use a heat pump or an air conditioner? All you need to do is track down the model number on the outdoor unit and run it online. If you find you use a heat pump, or you’re considering purchasing one, learn more about how this HVAC equipment keeps homes comfy.
How Heat Pumps Run
Heat pumps have a refrigeration system similar to an air conditioner. Most can work like a ductless mini-split, since they can heat and cool. Heat pumps use an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condensing coil. Refrigerant is moved through these coils to move humidity. The outdoor unit also contains a compressor and is encircled by metal fins that function as a heat sink to help transfer heat efficiently.
Summertime Cooling
In cooling mode, the refrigerant starts in the evaporator coil. Air from within the house moves over the coil, and the refrigerant extracts warmth. Wetness in the air also condenses on the coil, falling into the condensate pan below and flows away. The ensuing cold air circulates through the ductwork and back into your house.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant flows a compressor on its way to the outdoor coil. This compresses the refrigerant, forcing it to heat up even more. As it moves through the condensing coil, the outdoor fan and metal fins help to emit heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant heads back into your house, moving through an expansion valve that chills it greatly, prepping it to go through the process from the start.
When your heat pump is installed and maintained properly, you’ll get efficient cooling comparable to an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Wintertime Heating
When your heat pump is set to heat, the heat exchange process occurs the other way around. By flowing in a different direction, refrigerant pulls heat from the outdoor air and vents it into your home to warm rooms.
Heat pumps working in heating mode are most efficient when the temperature is warmer than freezing outside. If it becomes too cold, a backup electric resistance heater kicks on to keep your house cozy, but your heating bills rise as a result.
Heat pumps operate longer than furnaces because the air doesn’t turn as hot. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. Also, because heat pumps move warmth rather than creating it from a fuel source, they can work well above 100% efficiency. You should receive 30–40% savings on your heating expenses by getting a heat pump.
Request Heat Pump Installation or Service Today
Heat pumps are a green choice and money-saving. They are a substitute for the regular AC/furnace system and need the same amount of maintenance—one service in the spring and another in the fall.
If you want to install a heat pump, McKinley Heating Service Experts is the company to call. We’ll size and install your system to fit your heating and cooling requirements. And then we’ll support our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year. For more information, contact us at 780-800-7092 right away.