Summer is fast approaching, and now is the time for homeowners to get their homes ready for the hottest months of the year. For some of us, that will mean installing a new climate control system. If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, you should take a look at what heat pumps have to offer. Read on for more information on the benefits of installing a heat pump system this summer.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is constructed in much the same way as an air conditioner, with a couple of very important differences. Centralized heat pumps are split systems, meaning that one part of the system is installed inside the home while the other is installed outside. The two units are connected by power and refrigerant lines. When in cooling mode, the unit inside will evaporate refrigerant to absorb thermal energy from the home’s air. It then sends the refrigerant gas outside to the external unit, which will condense it back into liquid. This vents the heat outside of the home.
This method of operation is more-or-less identical to traditional air conditioning systems. So, what makes heat pumps so different? The primary difference is the inclusion of a part called a reversing valve. This part allows the system to reverse the flow of refrigerant through it, meaning that it can act as a heater as well as an air conditioner.
Advantages
By installing a heat pump, you’re using one system to do the job of two. Money and space that would normally be dedicated to a completely separate system will now be freed up for other uses. Since heat pumps don’t burn fuel to generate heat, they’re also quite a bit more energy efficient than traditional heating systems. These are just a few of the many unique benefits heat pumps provide.
Call Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing for heat pump services in Potomac, MD.