How does a heat pump work?

In the simplest terms, a heat pump uses electricity and refrigerant to move heat from one location to another. Heat pump consists of two major parts – a “air handler” that is mounted inside your home, and a condenser unit that stays on the outside of your home. The indoor air handler is thermostatically controlled to provide you with both heating and cooling. When there is a call for heat, the heat pump will turn on the fan in the outdoor unit to begin the process of extracting heat from the air outside.

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is part of a heating and cooling system and is installed outside your home. In cooler months, it pulls heat from the cold outdoor air and transfers it indoors. Heat pumps do not burn fossil fuel like furnaces do, making them more environmentally friendly.

How to know if you have a heat pump?

Both ACs and heat pumps look exactly the same. Turn on the heat and check the outside unit. Look at the labels on the condenser/indoor air handler labels. Check your condenser for a reversing valve.

Since heat pumps provide both cooling and heating, they are rated according to how efficiently they cool (SEER) and how efficient they heat (HSPF) If you see 2 numbers, one for a “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio” and one for “Heating Seasonal Performance Factor”, then you have a heat pump.

A heat pump has a reversing valve, a part responsible for reversing the flow of refrigerant. If you see a brass-looking device with 3 fittings on one side, you have a heat pump.

How to stop a heat pump from freezing up?

Your Heat pumps Icing up will be natural during the winter. It is considered normal if the entire coil becomes lightly covered in ice but only in certain weather conditions. It is not normal if whole unit becomes completely covered in Ice for a long period of time. This includes the top of the unit as well as the inner coil. Turn off your heat pump to stop ice from building up. You need to have this checked out as it may cause severe damage to your unit. The Defrost Cycle Heat pumps are designed to pull cold air from a home and not freeze up.

What does a heat pump look like?

A heat pump installation consists of two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit looks exactly like a central air conditioner. The indoor unit is called the air handler and looks similar to a gas furnace.

How long should a heat pump run?

Most heat pump systems should run about 2-3 cycles per hour. Close vents in unused areas of the home but be aware that your insulation is the exterior walls. Programmable thermostats can save money if you use them properly. The cooler you set it in heating and the warmer in cooling the less energy you will use. If you program in a setback of 5 degrees when you are at work and while you are sleeping you will using less energy in the month.

What temperature is a heat pump not effective?

Heat pumps rely on heat within outdoor air to keep your home at comfortable temperatures during winter. Heat pumps are rated for efficient operation within a certain temperature range. The optimal temperature range for conventional air source heat pump operation is above 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat pump begins to lose efficiency once temperatures dip to 40 degrees and is no longer the most efficient heating option once temperatures fall to 25 to 30 degrees. A backup heating system is a smart option that ensures efficient, consistent warmth in the home all winter long.
With a backup heating source installed, your system automatically switches from heat pump heating to backup. Allowing your backup system to run as the home’s primary heat source significantly raises the price of heating. Do not manually switch between heating sources at your thermostat.

How to use a heat pump in winter?

Turn your heat pump off when it’s not in use, keeping temperatures to 65-75 degrees F for optimal operation. Ditch constant monitoring with a programmable or Smart (WiFi) thermostat for convenient temperature control. Do NOT get a cover for the heat pump in winter. Heat pump shelter is not necessary and can cause serious problems.
Make sure seams surrounding doors, windows, outlets, and plumbing are properly sealed. Keep doors closed and curtains shut to hold in heat. Ask a professional HVAC contractor about the best way to operate your heat pump for your area climate.