What Is a Heat Pump?
You may have heard about them in the news, from friends, or on social media and wondered, “What is a heat pump?” Powered by electricity, a heat pump is a device that uses refrigerant to keep a space comfortable. It does not generate heat but is a part of a cooling and heating system. In cold months, it pulls heat from outdoors and transfers it inside. In warm months, it transfers heat from indoors to the outside.
Are There Different Types of Heat Pumps?
There are three types of heat pumps. Most heat pumps are either ground-source or air-source. Air-source pumps are generally used for residential purposes and transfer heat between outdoor and indoor air. Some heat pumps are ground-source, transferring heat between the ground and indoor air. Though more efficient, ground-source pumps are expensive to install. Hybrid pumps work in tandem with fossil fuel furnaces (natural gas or propane).
Types of Air-Source Heat Pump Systems
Air-source heat pumps pull heat from the air, boosting the temperature.
- Air-to-water heat pumps pull heat from outside air and bring it to a wet central heating system. This unit is used for heating spaces and can produce hot water. It requires large radiators or extensive in-floor heating and is suited to new properties.
- Air-to-air heat pumps pull heat from the outside air and bring it into a building via fans. This system is used for heating but cannot produce hot water.
How Does A Heat Pump Heat And Cool?
A heat pump does not generate heat but redistributes heat from the ground or air. Refrigerant circulates between a fan coil unit (located indoors) and a compressor (located outdoors). If set for cooling, it absorbs indoor heat and releases it to the outdoors. If set for heating, it absorbs heat from the ground or air and releases it inside. Heat is absorbed and transferred indoors even when the air temperature outside is cold.
Where Do Heat Pumps Work Best?
Heat pumps work best in mild climates, where the temperature is seldom below freezing. If you live in a colder region, you can combine a heat pump with an energy-efficient furnace, creating a dual-fuel system. When the temperature drops too low for the heat pump, the furnace will kick in and heat the space.
How Do Heat Pumps Help Us Reach Net Zero?
How we heat our businesses and homes accounts for approximately 40% of global emissions. To tackle climate change and reach net zero emissions, we must switch from heating with high-carbon fuels (natural gas, propane, coal, etc.) to low or zero-carbon alternatives. Heat pumps use electricity rather than fossil fuels. Increasingly, electricity is generated via renewable sources (wind, solar, etc.). Also, a heat pump produces 2 to 3 times more heat than the electricity it uses.
Are you interested in reducing global emissions? Have you thought about putting a heat pump in your home? Contact the experts at McMillin Air. We can help!
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