Heat pumps are a popular alternative to furnaces and air conditioning units, particularly in more moderate climates. Their versatility eliminates the need to swap out seasonal components and maintains consistent home comfort all year long—all with increased energy efficiency. Before you contact your local HVAC company to enquire about an upgrade for your home, learn more about how these systems work.

What Is a Heat Pump?

This appliance isn’t made to generate heat. It consists mainly of an outdoor and indoor unit and uses refrigerant to transfer heat from one place to another. It’s a continuous exchange that provides a way to make cost-efficient use of resources within your immediate environment and ensure the interior remains at a comfortable temperature.

How Does It Heat?

The outdoor fan will begin drawing in large quantities of air once you or the HVAC company sets the system’s heating mode. As the refrigerant passes through the coils, the compressor applies a steady amount of pressure and causes the liquid to absorb any warmth that is present. Once it travels back to the indoor unit, the compressor reduces the pressure and causes the liquid to release the heat directly into each of the rooms. The refrigerant then continues on toward the outdoor unit to start the process all over again.

How Does It Cool?

Cooling mode is exactly the opposite. Instead of drawing air from the outdoors, the system collects air from within the home itself. The compressor doesn’t add pressure to the refrigerant until it reaches the indoor unit so that it can capture any heat that’s found within the rooms. It then transfers the warmth to the outdoor unit, where the compressor depressurizes and allows the liquid to cool down. It’s a constant cycle that keeps the home comfortable and eliminates any unwanted heat.

If you’re interested in a heat pump for your home, reach out to Ogeechee Heating & Air, Inc. in Claxton, GA. This family-owned HVAC company has been providing quality air conditioning maintenance and furnace repair for over a decade. These Southeast Georgia heating contractors are fully licensed and NATE®-certified, undergoing continuous training to provide the level of service their customers deserve. Learn more about this HVAC company’s qualifications by visiting their website or call (912) 739-4035​​​​​​​ to set up an appointment.