What is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?

A heat pump is an essential part of any HVAC system, because it functions in both the winter and the summer. Your heat pump is what makes your central air and heat function. The heat pump consists of two parts: an outdoor unit, which is referred to as the air handler, and an inside unit, which is the heat pump itself. The heat pump uses a compressor to circulate refrigerant between the two unites, which acts as the carrier to transfer heat in and out of the home.

You may think that your HVAC system creates heat, but it is actually just moving it, constantly, from area to another. In the summer, the compressor runs one way, transferring heat from inside your home to the outside unit – essentially removing heat from your home rather than pumping cool air in. When the weather turns cold, like it is now, the pump will reverse direction and start moving heat from outside to your inside unit. Even if it is below freezing outside, there is still heat energy there for the heat pump to grab and bring into your home.

One benefit of using a heat pump instead of a system that generates heat is the energy efficiency. Moving something back and forth requires a lot less energy than it does to actively create the same thing.

The changing of seasons is the perfect time to check that your HVAC system is in perfect working order. Contact Comfortable Climate Heating and Air Conditioning for heat pump maintenance in Newport News, VA and the surrounding area, today.

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