Heat pumps are pretty ingenious devices, as they provide both heating and cooling, and use very little energy to do so. But the name “heat pump” can be confusing, leaving a homeowner to wonder how this device can both heat and cool a home. We’ll explain more about this below, but one of the most important things to keep in mind about heat pumps in Bristol is that. if you are considering the installation of one, or need repair or replacement, you should always hire experts. Dynamic Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning has been installing, repairing, maintaining and replacing heat pumps for almost a decade, and we bring this experience to every job.
How Do Heat Pumps Heat and Cool?
Heat pumps can both heat and cool because they are made with a component called a reversing valve. This valve allows the heat pump to change the flow of refrigerant in the system, so it can operate in either cooling or heating mode. During the winter, in heating mode, the heat pump absorbs heat from the surrounding air, concentrates it in the heat exchanger and blows the air into your home. In the summer months, the heat pump removes the heat and humidity from your indoor air and transfers it to the outside. A heat pump doesn’t create heating or cooling; it simply transfers heat from one place to another, with the help of refrigerant. Heat pumps do not use fossil fuels, and use about 25% of the amount of electricity of a whole-home air conditioning system.
Other Benefits of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps also offer other benefits aside from being able to heat and cool your home:
- Very “green” – as we mentioned above, heat pumps use no fossil fuels and very little electricity, making them very environmentally friendly.
- Very comfortable heating and cooling – heat pumps operate at a low, continuous airflow, so the heating and cooling is gentle and comfortable.
- Long lifespan – heat pumps have an average lifespan of 20-25 years, as compared to 10-12 for air conditioners and 15-20 for heating systems.
Heat pumps can be a great option for your home, but the best way to determine if a heat pump is a good choice for you is to work with a trained specialist. Call Dynamic Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning and schedule an appointment with one of our experts to see if a heat pump for your Bristol home is right for you.