Understanding How a Heat Pump Works

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Are you thinking of undertaking a heat pump replacement project? Is your home situated in an area with a moderate climate? If the answer is yes, then a heat pump is a great choice for your HVAC system

A heat pump is the center of your heating and cooling system. Understanding how it functions is important when deciding whether to use a heat pump or utilize the combination of a furnace and an air conditioning unit for your HVAC set-up.

Understanding Heat Pumps

Heat pumps work much like air conditioners when in cooling mode. Both use compressed refrigerant to absorb heat from inside the house and pump it outside. When in heating mode, heat pumps don’t generate heat.  Instead, they pull heat from the air and transfer it to another place using a small amount of energy. They absorb heat from the outside to maintain a comfortable warmth inside your home. However, when the natural heat source is insufficient, heat pumps use auxiliary heating mechanisms to sustain the desired temperature. They use supplemental sources of heat for this such as electric strips.

Heat Pumps: Pros and Cons

HVAC replacement contractors recommend the newest heat pumps because they deliver heat efficiently without burning any fuel. On regular days, they can draw sufficient heat from the outside to maintain a desirable temperature. This makes a heat pump a “greener” alternative for a heating system. However, its efficiency diminishes when the outside temperature drops to 30F or below. This is the reason why heat pumps are perfect when you’re residing in a place with a moderate climate. Compared to a standard HVAC set-up, a heat pump won’t require the installation of separate heating and cooling systems for your home. Some factors to consider when weighing which system is most suitable for your home are the local climate, the size of your home, and your budget. Your local HVAC repair companies can always provide you with the necessary insights to guide you in making the best decision.

Contact Dependable Heating & Air Conditioning now for your HVAC system repairs, upgrades, and maintenance. Call us at (707) 247-2887. You can also fill out our contact form and set up an appointment.

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