What Is a Heat Pump System?
You may have heard the term “heat pump” before, but maybe you aren’t sure exactly what these systems do and how they operate. By the time you’re finished reading this article, you’ll know all about these useful systems. Heck, you may even be ready to buy one!
Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioners and furnaces. Although they have “heat” in their name, heat pumps are essentially air conditioners that provide AC in the summer but also heat in the winter – a convenient two-in-one HVAC system.
Heat pumps are popular because they’re environmentally friendly and quiet. If you’re interested in talking about installing a heat pump for your Montgomery, Alabama, home – or need a repair or tune up on an existing heat pump – contact the NATE-certified HVAC contractors at Hans Heating & Air today to schedule an appointment. We can make any repairs to your existing heat pump or help you choose the best heat pump for your home. Call us today at 334-834-HANS to schedule your heat pump repair or installation service!
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Air source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump system. The biggest difference between a heat pump and a traditional air conditioner and furnace is that heat pumps don’t actually create heat: they simply move heat from one place to another to achieve the heating and cooling process.
In the wintertime, when the temperatures drop, the outdoor unit absorbs the outside air, which is drawn across a heat exchanger before being transferred to the refrigerant, which then moves the warm air indoors to provide heat. In the summer, the process is similar but reversed. The indoor heat exchanger absorbs warmer air from within the home, using refrigerant as the heat transfer medium. The refrigerant then funnels the warm indoor air back to the outdoor unit, where it’s released into the outside air.
Heat pumps are similar to how a traditional air conditioner operates, although an air conditioner unit can’t obviously create heat. A traditional electrical or gas furnace furnace, meanwhile, creates heat through the burning of fuel.
What Are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?
There are several benefits to owning a heat pump. Hans Heating and Air discusses a few of the reasons you might want to consider one for your Montgomery, Alabama, home.
They Heat and Cool Your Home
As we discussed, one of the main benefits of owning a heat pump is they work as an air conditioner in the summer and a heater in the winter. You’ll only have to maintain one system, opposed to two.
Because of the nature of how heat pumps operate, they provide heating for temperatures as low as 32 degrees. If the temperature drops below freezing, you’ll need a supplemental source of heat. While this is a problem in colder climates, they’re perfect in Alabama, where winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing.
They’ll Save You Money
Heat pumps are generally more energy efficient than traditional furnace and air conditioners because they move air from one place to another instead of burning energy. This means you’ll save as much as $75 per month on your monthly energy bill.
They Require Less Repairs
Heat pumps are incredibly durable and rarely break down. You should still have your unit inspected twice per year, but you’ll enjoy the savings of not having to pay for frequent repairs.
They’re Environmentally Friendly
Heat pumps do not pollute the environment and are therefore more environmentally friendly than furnaces and air conditioning systems. They produce lower emissions because they don’t require combustion.
Common Signs a Heat Pump Needs Repaired
Although we mentioned heat pumps rarely break down, they can experience some issues when they get older. Call the heating and cooling experts at Hans Heating and Air when:
- Cold air is blowing when it’s cold outside
- There is a humming noise but the fan won’t run
- Your breaker trips every time the heat pump comes on
- The unit will not turn on
- Uneven temperatures throughout the home
Choose Hans Heating and Air For Your Heat Pump Needs
Whether you need a heat pump repair, tune up or installation – or you have more questions about heat pumps – give Hans a call today.
Whether you’re interacting with our dispatchers, technicians, installers or any other Hans Air representative, you will receive the utmost respect, professionalism, enthusiasm and honesty. Our step-by-step methodology and ingrained process that our techs rely upon for your HVAC services, repairs and installations insure that they will be able to accurately and efficiently detect your system malfunction, as well as provide the appropriate solution. Learn why Hans stands above the competition!