Understanding Your Heat Pump - How It Works
There are many systems available for maintaining
temperature control in your home, from central heating and cooling
systems to window air condition units and portable heaters to heat
pumps. At one time, central heating and cooling were considered the
best and most desirable system to have, but in recent years, heat
pumps have been becoming more prevalent. There are several reasons
for the increase in heat pump popularity. For one, heat pumps are
more energy efficient. They do not generate heat; rather, they take
air and convert it into heat, so they require less energy. Their
increased energy efficiency means they are also less expensive to
run than traditional central heating systems, making them extremely
desirable to home owners. But how do they work? Understanding the
processes behind heat pump technology will help you decide if one is
right for you or help you maintain the pump you already have.
The idea behind a heat pump is relatively simple. Even if it is
freezing cold outside, there is still heat in the air. You just
can’t feel it when you are outside. Your heat pump can detect that
air, however, and it pulls that heat air into the pump and then
funnels it into your home. You will not detect any difference
between this kind of heat and central heating, which works by
actually heating up air and then releasing it into your home.
However, because the air is naturally heated rather having the
system expend energy to heat it, the heat pump is more energy
efficient and less expensive to run.
When it comes to air conditioning, the way the heat pump works is
similar – it just works in reverse. A common misconception about
heat pumps is that they pull cool air in from outside and funnel it
into your home, but that is incorrect. In reality, the heat pump
registers the warm air inside your home as it does in the winter
with the warm air outside. Then, it removes that warm air from your
home and pumps it outside, reducing the temperature in your home.
Again, because the heat pump does not have to actually cool any air
artificially, the operating cost and energy expenditure is less than
a normal central air conditioning system.
Is a heat pump for everyone? If you live in a place with extreme
temperatures, such as very cold winters or very hot, humid summers,
then you may find that a heat pump doesn’t provide enough
temperature control for you. Moderate climates are most ideal for
heat pumps. Likewise, they may not be best for very large
properties. For everyone else however, heat pumps can be an ideal
way to control your energy costs.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube