If you’re looking for an efficient, reliable heating system for your home, a heat pump is one of the most effective and environmentally friendly options available. So how does it differ from a furnace or other heating system? The principles behind a heat pump are actually closer to the workings of an air conditioner, relying on compression, expansion, and outside temperatures to operate. Read on to learn more.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Constant Underground Temperature

While the weather outside can change dramatically depending on the season and the time of day, that’s only true on the earth’s surface. If you dig down just a few yards, the earth’s temperature is much more constant year-round. This means the earth itself can help regulate your home’s temperature.

Compression & Expansion

To provide heating, a heat pump relies on an enclosed water system, which acts in much the same way as the refrigerant in an air conditioner. When a fluid is compressed, it heats up, and when pressure is reduced, it cools down. Heat naturally flows from hot areas to cool ones.

By compressing water, the heat pump causes the water to heat up and to dump that heat into its surroundings. Then the same water is moved to elsewhere in the system and allowed to expand and cool off. Once it’s colder than its surroundings, it begins to absorb heat energy and warm up, and then it is once again cycled to a different location and compressed so that the energy is transferred to the new area. This process is efficient and reliable enough for all but the coldest temperatures.

Reversible System

A heat pump warms your home by controlling water pressure to transfer heat from the constant source of warmth underground. The same process can also work in reverse. Many heat pumps are designed to be reversible, which means they provide both air conditioning and heating using the same equipment. This way, you can save on equipment installation and maximize the efficiency of your home.

If you’re interested in a heat pump or another heating system, contact Gulf Coast HVAC in Foley, AL. Serving Baldwin County and the surrounding area, this experienced and reliable HVAC contractor provides installation and repairs for heating and cooling equipment, offering 24/7 service for a wide variety of problems. To schedule a visit, call (251) 955-1054 or get in touch online.