What is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?
Left to its own devices, heat energy travels from high-temperature areas to low-temperature areas. Heat pumps can reverse this flow and pump heat from low-temperature areas to the area you want to heat. They do this by absorbing heat from the outside air, the ground, or water and transferring it into the home.
Heat Pumps are all-in-one heating and air conditioning systems. They are unique from a traditional furnace in that way – they can also be used for cooling! They reverse the flow and transfer heat from inside the house to the air outside.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Heat Pump?
A great benefit to using a heat pump is that they are an energy-efficient way to both heat and cool your home. This is because of the way they function, by drawing heat from the environment as a source of renewable energy. Also, having one unit to service instead of both an air conditioner and a furnace could help cut costs over time.
You can also combine a heat pump with a furnace for a hybrid heat system in climates that get below freezing regularly and for long periods of time.
Some drawbacks to a heat pump are that they are working year-round and can wear out more quickly than an air conditioner. Again, heat pumps are doing the job of both the air conditioner and the furnace.
You may also notice that the system seems like it is always running, or that the air coming through the vent does not feel hot. This is because heat pumps provide a more constant flow of warm air over time, keeping your home at a constant temperature.
What Kind of Maintenance Does a Heat Pump Require?
To keep your heat pump happy, there are a few steps you’ll want to take.
Keep the thermostat set at a constant temperature. Frequently changing it could put an extra burden on your unit. If you do change the temperature throughout the day, try to limit it to twice a day. For example, when you leave work and when you return home.
Choose a temperature range that is manageable for your system – above 65 degrees in the summer and below 70 in the winter. Your system may have difficulty keeping up and could cause a frozen coil or condensation in the home in the winter.
Keep your heat pump as clean as possible. Remove snow build-up, ice, and any debris accumulating on or around the unit. Blockages can cause the system to overwork and begin to malfunction.
Schedule regular maintenance with Royal Heating & Air to ensure your heat pump is working efficiently. Your unit should be checked once a year at a minimum. It’s best to have us come out every season to ensure it is ready for the changing temperatures.
Royal Heating & Air Knows Heat Pumps!
Call the best HVAC company at Lake of the Ozarks today to schedule maintenance on your heat pump and make sure your home is ready for fall.
If you are considering installing a heat pump for your home, we can schedule a time to evaluate your home’s heating and cooling needs and determine which system is best for you!
Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"
