For years, many homeowners have operated under the assumption that you need a furnace to heat your home in the winter and an air conditioner to keep it cool in the summer. However, there’s a more efficient way to achieve home comfort. A heat pump can provide both heating and cooling functionality, and it’s especially perfect in the South where the winters are mild. Here’s what you should know about this type of HVAC equipment.

An Introduction to Heat Pumps

What Is It?

This appliance uses the concept of heat transfer to control the temperature of your home. This is very similar to how most air conditioning units work, but it’s able to transfer heat in both directions. Basically, it circulates refrigerant through a series of coils and pumps. That refrigerant absorbs heat and then uses the energy to change the temperature of the air inside your space.

How It Cools vs. How It Heats

In the summer, it gathers warm air from inside your home and pumps it outside. During the process, that heat is absorbed by the refrigerant, which is then run through the condenser coils and turned into cold air to cool your home.

In the winter, this process works in reverse thanks to a component called the reversing valve. This allows the unit to collect heat from the outdoor air and run it through refrigerant so it can provide enough power to heat your home. Even if it’s not warm outside, it can gather enough heat to operate. You won’t find many of these units running in a New England January, but they’re particularly suited to the South’s mild winters.

Energy Efficiency Benefits

Heat pumps simply use electricity to transfer heat from one place to another. They do not actually create heat, which often makes them more efficient than traditional heating units—using as little as half the electricity a traditional HVAC system needs. Additionally, the ability to use one piece of equipment rather than separate units for heating and cooling can simplify your installation and maintenance needs.

There are three types—air-to-air, water source, and geothermal, depending on whether they pull heat from the air, water, or ground. The vast majority of units use the air as their source.

If you’re interested in reaping the benefits of a heat pump for your home, contact Economy Heating & Air in Cornelia, GA. The company provides a wide array of HVAC services to both residential and commercial customers throughout the Gainesville area and all of Hall County. Whether you need a new air conditioner, furnace repair, routine maintenance, or want to make the switch to a heat pump, the experienced team can provide efficient and affordable service. Visit the company’s website to see a full list of services. When you’re ready to request service or an estimate, call (706) 778-2861.