World of Heat Pumps!

“Heat pump.” You’ve probably heard those words mentioned by an HVAC contractor before. But it may not have meant anything to you at the time. Now, you’re considering having a heat pump installed in your new home and need to learn what a heat pump does. No problem! We’ve got that handled for you.

If you’re unfamiliar with the basics of a heat pump, keep reading to learn what it is, what it does, and how you should take care of it. 

What Is a Heat Pump? 

A heat pump is an element of your heating and cooling system. It uses electricity to transfer heat from one area to another via condensed refrigerant and typically has two components. 

With an air source heat pump, the larger component is located outside. This unit is the condenser that produces the heating or cooling effect by exchanging heat energy with the outdoor air. The smaller indoor component is mounted on a wall inside your home and will either remove energy or add energy air to the air delivered to your home

Because the units are split, they are often referred to as split systems. They are an efficient source of heat and some units are known as “mini split”.  These systems can be installed without ductwork.

What Does a Heat Pump Do? 

Heat pumps transfer energy from one place to another using a compressor and liquid or gas refrigerant.  Energy is extracted from the outside sources and then transferred indoors.  The compressor pumps the refrigerant between two heat exchanger coils.  In one coil, the refrigerant evaporates at low pressures which allows it to absorb heat.  The refrigerant is then compressed and sent to the second coil which causes it to condense under high pressure.  The energy is released and sent to your home

How Do I Take Care of a Heat Pump?

During a heating installation in Northern Colorado your HVAC specialist should explain proper maintenance for your new heating system. They’ll recommend you have a tune-up in the spring and fall to ensure everything is properly functioning. 

You can complete some routine care on your own by changing out the filter twice a year. The filter collects allergens and other particles that move through the air. If your filter becomes rapidly clogged due to pet dander or cigarette smoke in the home, you should consider changing it more frequently. 

Heat Pump Installation in Northern Colorado

There’s a lot more you can learn about the world of heat pumps. If you’re interested in having one installed in your home, contact MGI Mechanical Services today for superior HVAC services.