Most commonly utilized in modern air conditioning units, a heat pump is an all-in-one cooling and heating system designed to ensure year-round comfort. But how does it work? Serving the Branson, MO, community since 1975, Daryl’s Heating & Air Inc is here to provide you with the answers to all of your burning heat pump questions.

What Is a Heat Pump?

During the summer, a heat pump serves as a typical air conditioning unit, extracting heat from the home and transferring it outdoors. In cooler weather, however, the functionality is reversed, and the unit transfers heat in the outside air into the home.

How Does A Heat Pump Work?

Think of a heat pump as an air transfer system: constantly moving warmer air to where it is needed or unwanted, depending on the desired effect. Even when it’s cold outside, it still contains heat energy. A heat pump collects this energy and transfers it inside. The reverse process is applied during the warmer months, whereby the heat pump collects and removes heat energy from the home.

Heat Pump Parts

In addition to a fan and the electrical components, heat pump systems include:

• Control System (Thermostat): Sets and maintains the interior temperature.
• Compressor: Moves refrigerant through the system.
• Control Board: Determines whether the heat pump is in defrost, heating, or cooling mode.
• Coils: The evaporating and condenser coils cool or heat the air depending on the direction the refrigerant is flowing.
• Refrigerant: A substance that circulates through the refrigeration lines between the outdoor and indoor units.
• Reversing Valves: Determines whether your space will be heated or cooled.
• Thermostatic Expansion Valves: Similar to a water faucet, these valves regulate the flow of refrigerant.
• Accumulator: A system reservoir that adjusts the charge of refrigerant.
• Refrigeration Pipes & Lines: Connects outside and inside equipment.
• Heat Strips: Used to transfer additional heat during colder months.
• Ducts: Air distribution tunnels within the home.

Whether you have additional heat pump questions or require HVAC repairs, you can depend on the heating and air conditioning experts at Daryl’s Heating & Air Inc for the fast, reliable service you need to ensure your system’s functionality. Call (413) 335-2658 for your free estimate, or check out the website to learn more about their services.