What is an air source heat pump?

The name doesn't help very much in explaining what it does. A heat pump is basically an air conditioner that also has the ability the heat your home. An air source heat pump is one that uses the outside air to both extract and dissipate heat energy. How does it work? Read on!

How a heat pump provides cooling.

When our Fox River Valley summer days are hot and humid, and your thermostat registers that cool air is needed, the heat pump turns on and begins compressing refrigerant just like an air conditioner does. Compressing refrigerant removes the heat energy and dissipates it into the outdoor air. With the heat energy gone, the refrigerant is chilled and pumped back inside to the indoor coil. The indoor coil is usually located in an evaporator coil, or a fan coil.

The fan contained in the air handler / fan coil (or furnace) pulls air from inside your home via the return air duct. This air is then sent into the indoor coil which does a couple things: 1) The air is cooled as the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, and 2) the air is dehumidified as water condensates on the cold copper tubing. The cooled and dehumidified air is then forced into your ducting to cool your home.

How a heat pump heats your home.

In chilly weather, the heat pump provides heat by reversing the process used to cool your air. Instead of compressing refrigerant to chill it, the heat pump pulls heat energy from the outside air, and uses this to heat the refrigerant. Even in cool air, there is heat energy. A heat pump is not the most efficient option for our freezing Chicagoland days, but a heat pump is a great addition to a gas furnace to provide hybrid heating, and a solution for electric only installations.

Additional notes on a heat pump.

A heat pump's cooling efficiency is rated just like an air conditioner, with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). SEER ratings typically max out at 18-21 SEER. The heating efficiency of a heat pump is measured with a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), with a high range of 8.5-10 HSPF. HSPF and SEER ratings are just part of the picture. The efficiency of the indoor coil, the indoor fan, and the design and quality of the duct system play huge roles in how much it costs to provide heating and air conditioning your home.

CountryView is the leading Fox River Valley heating contractor. We know HVAC inside and out, and are experts at proper design, sizing, installation and maintenance. Whether you need HVAC repair or maintenance on an existing system, or a new turnkey system installation, we are the ones to call!

For the finest Fox River Valley HVAC service call us at 847-683-9911.

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