How Does a Residential Heat Pump Work?
We’ve gotten some calls from our Fredericksburg clients recently regarding residential heat pumps. More often than not, they’re interested in knowing how exactly they work. So we thought we would take the time to put together this article explaining just what a heat pump is and how it works.
In this article, we’ll look at how residential heat pumps work and how they can benefit your Fredericksburg home.
What is a Residential Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a mechanical-compression cycle refrigeration system. This system can be switched to either heat or cool a residential space depending on the need. A residential heat pump is usually comprised of two parts:
- An indoor unit referred to as an air handler
- An outdoor unit (similar to a central AC) referred to as a heat pump
A compressor circulates refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat as it travels between the indoor and outdoor units.
How Does a Residential Heat Pump Work?
You can think of a heat pump as a transporter that works to move warm air from one place to another in your Fredericksburg home. One of the trickier parts to explain is that even when the air seems cold, heat energy is present. That’s because when it’s cold outside a residential heat pump takes this outside heat and transfers it inside your home. But when it’s warmer outside, it reverses directions and acts like an air conditioner, removing heat from your home and pushing it outdoors. That’s one huge advantage of a heat pump, it moves heat instead of generating heat, giving you more energy efficiency.
Call Robert B. Payne, Inc.
If you have more questions about how residential heat pumps work or are interested in having one installed in your Fredericksburg home, give us a call at 540-373-5876. We’ll be happy to answers whatever questions you may have.