A heat pump how they work is an HVAC system that uses a circulating system of refrigerant to move thermal energy, cooling one space and warming another. Unlike traditional heating systems that burn fossil fuels to produce the heat, these heat pumps are much more efficient. This is why a heat pump can be much more cost-effective, especially for homes in cold climates. In fact, heat pumps are so efficient that they have earned the ENERGY STAR® label.
What’s so great about heat pumps is that they use a basic principle of physics: hot always moves toward cold. For example, if you open a window on a really hot summer day, all the warm air will rush out of your house. This is because hot air has a higher energy density than cool air. A heat pump takes advantage of this principle by absorbing the free heat energy from the outdoor air. It then transfers that heat into your home’s ductwork to keep everyone warm.
https://architects.zone/what-are-heat-pumps-how-they-work-and-why-you-need-one/ When the temperature drops, a reversing valve switches the flow of refrigerant. This allows the refrigerant to absorb heat energy from the outdoor air (even in freezing weather). The warm refrigerant is then moved back to the indoor coil, where it becomes a liquid again. This cycle repeats, all year round.
The reversing valve is what makes the whole process so efficient. When the reversing valve opens, it releases a chemical that lowers the pressure on the coil. This reduces the boiling point of the liquid so it can easily change from a gas to a liquid again. As a result, the reversing valve requires less electricity to operate than a compressor.
As a result, a heat pump can transfer large amounts of heat with relatively little electricity, making it far more efficient than traditional heating systems. As a matter of fact, a heat pump can convert one unit of electricity into about three units of heat energy. By contrast, traditional fuel-burning systems usually only turn about 80% of their electricity into usable heat energy.
Finally, a heat pump is also better for the environment than conventional heating systems. Because these systems don’t burn fuel, they produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants. They are also much more quieter than most traditional heating systems.
Getting a new heat pump installed is a good idea for any homeowner. Whether you want to replace your existing heating and cooling system, or if you are building a new house, a top-rated professional can install a heat pump that works with your existing ducts. Or, if you’re interested in a ductless heat pump, experts can even recommend the best options for your space. Get free, no-commitment estimates from local pros today!