Heat Pump Resources for Homeowners

Heat Pump 101

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have a limited lifespan, and with proper maintenance, that span might reach beyond 25 years. With such information, homeowners should have sufficient time to plan and budget for system replacement. During this planning stage, wise homeowners research their options to make a wise choice that will impact family comfort for the next 25 years or so. If you are considering HVAC system replacement, consider heat pump technology in a dual-fuel configuration.

What is a Heat Pump?

Heat pump technology uses the same process for air conditioning and heating; the same components are used all year round for greater efficiency. How does it work? It helps to remember a little physical science.

• Heat is energy that atoms and molecules absorb from the surrounding environment. An atom that collects enough energy becomes a gaseous vapor and moves about very quickly. When it loses some energy, it will slow down and become a liquid. When it loses even more energy, it will move very little and become solid.
• Atoms prefer to give energy away to the surrounding environment rather than absorb energy. Heat pump technology uses this principle to “move” heat from one environment to another environment.
• Heat pumps cool a home (air conditioning) by “moving” heat from the inside of the house to the outside of the house. It heats a home (heating) by “moving” heat from the outside of the house to the inside of the house.

Heat pump heating is several times more efficient than electric or natural gas furnaces since the electricity used by the system does not generate heat but moves heat from one environment to another. Most systems include a backup furnace system for the periods when the outdoor temperature drops below 32 degrees—when the air has less heat available.

Configurations

Since this is a technology, it can be transformed and adapted into various arrangements to customize its usefulness for each residential setting.

• Air is not the only source of heat: heat can also be moved to and from water and the ground. However, these configurations require additional construction and are expensive. They are not viable options for every setting.
• Mini-split ductless systems use heat pump technology but require neither ducts nor an indoor central cabinet. The heat pump components are installed on an outdoor pad, and the heat moves through an exterior network of insulated tubes to designated spaces. The heat is transferred into the spaces using room-sized air handlers attached to the wall.
• The most familiar configuration is a central ducted HVAC system which uses heat pump technology. The heat is transferred inside an interior cabinet, and a powerful fan moves the heat (either into or out of the home) throughout the indoor spaces. The central cabinet also houses the alternate fuel furnace components. These are the most common configurations.

An installation technician can discuss installation options that most closely match a home’s existing configuration and heating/cooling needs.

Important Notice

The transfer of heat requires a lot of air movement. A large fan moves air across a network of tubes and fins in the outdoor condenser unit. Every two minutes, a blower motor moves the entire volume of air inside the home across another network of tubes and fins. Anything that diminishes the airflow reduces the efficiency of heat transfer. This is the major reason manufacturers and HVAC techs emphasize air filter changes and regular system maintenance.

Let us help install your new Heat Pump

Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help you with your new heat pump installation and repair needs. Contact us and get the help you need.