Heat pumps are increasingly popular among homeowners across the country. Along with efficiency and longevity, the system offers year-round comfort, unlike standard HVAC systems, where you're forced to switch between AC units and furnaces. However, before you go for a new heat pump installation, you should understand how the system works. Here's what you need to know.

What Is a Heat Pump?

Instead of producing heat like a furnace, or cold air like an AC, heat pumps absorb and transport heat either into or away from home. This process allows them to be a heating and cooling system. There are two types available: air-source and ground-source, also known as geothermal. While air-source heat pumps rely on heat energy from the air, ground-source models absorb heat from underground.

What Are the Components?

Air-source heat pump installation involves three main pieces of equipment: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a compressor. Both indoor and outdoor units work with fans and coils. With ground-source systems, the outdoor unit is swapped for an underground heat exchanger. These systems operate by transporting heat from the exterior to the interior and vice versa using a refrigerant.

How Does It Work?

Heating

When heating a home, electricity powers the compressor and pumps refrigerant to the outdoor unit where the fan blows air onto the coils. The coils serve as an evaporator, which absorbs the heat energy from the cold air, and turns it into a cold gas. However, geothermal systems extract energy from the ground. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant into hot gas and cycles it to the interior unit. From here, the coils release their heat, and the fan pushes the heated air throughout the home.

Cooling

The cooling process works opposite the heating. Fans blow air to the inside coils, which allow it to absorb the heat. This step leaves the air cool and dehumidified, so it then recirculates throughout the home. The refrigerant is pressurized and circulated to the outdoor unit, where the heat energy releases into the air or underground.

Ready to reap the benefits of heat pumps? Turn to the trusted professionals at Adco Heating & Air Conditioning in Cincinnati, OH. The fully-licensed and insured business offers a variety of dependable and affordable heating and cooling services across Hamilton County. From heating repairs to equipment inspections, the skilled team is dedicated to top-quality work. Learn more about their heat pump installation service online, and request a free estimate today at (513) 471-3390.