What is a Heat Pump
Whether you like to turn the thermostat up to 75°F during the winter months or need to have it at a solid 65°F to survive the summer, everybody likes to have temperature control in their environments. Heating and cooling are the foundation of making spaces comfortable, but how exactly does this work? The important part to look into is the heat pump. What is a heat pump? Well that’s what we can take you through below, so you can get an inside look at your HVAC system that keeps your temperatures regulated and comfortable.
What is a Heat Pump?
If you’ve read up on any of your HVAC appliances, you might have heard something called a ‘heat pump.’ But what exactly is a heat pump? A heat pump is a system used in HVAC units that helps the transfer of heat. It can transfer heat to and from different areas, depending on if cooling or heating is needed in a building. Pumps are powered by electricity, so they tend to be more energy efficient and eco-friendly versus burning fossil fuels.
How a Heat Pump Works
How a heat pump works depends on the kind of heat pump it is.
- Air-source pumps - These pumps work by taking heat from outside air and transferring it into a building for heating purposes. It can also work to cool a building by taking inside heat and transferring it outside for cooling. These heat pumps are popular for their ability to help both heating and cooling.
- Ground-source pumps - Ground source pumps are also known as geothermal pumps. They work by transferring heat between the air in a building and the ground outside. These pumps are considered more efficient than others and can help lower operating costs over time.
Common Appliances
There are a variety of appliances that could have a heat pump. Here are ones you might run into:
- Water heaters
- HVAC units
- Refrigerators
- Dryers