How do heat pumps work? A heat pump operates in the following way: 1. The source of heat, which can be outside air or a water mix which is contained within ground collectors, is either blown or pumped over the heat exchange surface of the outside part of the heat pump. This heat although cold in comparison to a homes internal air is warm enough to cause the special refrigerant liquid to evaporate and turn into a gas.
This gas is then put through a compressor which increases the pressure of the gas, a factor that causes its temperature to rise. For example you may have noticed that a bicycle pump, gets warm when it is used, the gasses in a heat pump experience the same temperature rise due to compression.
The gas now heated is passed over the internal heat exchange surface. It's less expensive to run a ground-source heat pump because the ground and water have a relatively constant temperature that allows the heat pump to operate efficiently. Ground-source systems also have the advantage of not being exposed to the outdoor weather , which prevents a lot of wear and tear. On the downside, they can be costly to repair if you need to access an underground portion of the system.
Air-source systems are easy to access and service, but they may need more regular maintenance because they're exposed to the elements. Also, air-source heat pumps may use more supplemental energy to run, especially in colder climates, and this will cost you more on your utility bill.
Heat pumps may save you anywhere between 30 and 40 percent or more on your utility bill, but neglect will reduce a heat pump's efficiency over time [source: EERE ]. It's important to factor in the climate where you'll be using the heat pump to make sure you select a system that can run efficiently in your area. In the end, heat pumps can save you a lot of money on utilities if you're a good candidate and you install the right kind of pump for your area.
If you use your heat pump on a regular basis, you should change the filter about once a month. You could probably get away with only changing the filter once every three months if you only run the unit periodically. Keep fans and coils clean and free from debris, and have your heat pump inspected by a professional once every year or two.
Common problems with heat pumps include low airflow, leaky or noisy ducts, temperature problems, using the wrong refrigerant charge, rattles, squeaks and grinding noises.
If you can, try to isolate the location of the problem. Is the airflow only low coming out of one register, or do all registers have low airflow? Is the offending noise coming from the air ducts or within the heat pump unit itself? There are a few things you can do to identify and possibly fix a heat pump problem before calling for professional help.
First, if the unit isn't working, try resetting its motor. Check the pump ignition system for problems, and make sure you don't have a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Check the thermostat to make sure it's working properly. Change the filter if it's dirty, and make sure there are no airflow blockages.
If the air ducts are making noise when they expand and contract, you could try putting a dent in the side of the duct to make the surface more rigid. Rattles may be fixed by fastening loose parts, and if you're hearing squeaks inside the unit, you may need to replace or adjust the fan belt connecting the motor and the fan. A grinding noise may indicate that the bearings on the motor are worn out, which will require the help of a professional to fix.
Keep in mind that if you aren't mechanically inclined then you probably shouldn't attempt to do this kind of repair work. And because heat pumps can contain hazardous materials, that's another good reason to get some professional assistance.
A chemical leak is bad news and you can easily injure yourself handling a broken device. A heat pump should last between 10 and 30 years, with geothermal units leading the way in longevity. In fact, some components of ground-source heat pumps can last even longer. Keep in mind that technology may change before your heat pump has worn out, so you may find your heat pump outlasts a technician's ability to service it.
New technologies may make heat pumps safer or more efficient, so you may wish to keep an eye out for new kinds of heat pumps. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Home Improvement. Home DIY. Heating and Cooling. How Heat Pumps Work. If you know how air conditioners work, you already know a little about how heat pumps work.
Heat Pump Maintenance. Heat Transfer and Air-Source Heat Pumps There are many different kinds of heat pumps, but they all operate on the same basic principle -- heat transfer. Other Kinds of Heat Pumps If your home doesn't have air ducts to distribute heat, don't fear. Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps " ". Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's famed Unity Temple near Chicago was renovated in to include eco-friendly geothermal heating and cooling systems.
What to Look for in a Heat Pump When you start shopping for a heat pump, there are a few things you need to look for. SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency rating, and is a ratio of how much energy measured in BTUs is pumped outside in cooling mode divided by the electricity used in watts for cooling. Look for a SEER rating between 14 and HSFP stands for heating seasonal performance factor. It calculates the ratio of energy pumped indoors for heating to energy used for heating, but it's a more complicated equation than the SEER rating because it also takes into account supplemental heating needs and the energy used to defrost the unit.
Look for an HSFP rating between 8 and A desuperheater coil that heats water by recycling waste heat or on an RCC system, a refrigerant heat reclaimer that also uses the pump's extra capacity to heat water during mild winter weather. Dual-mode compressors and motors that save energy by adjusting up or down according to the level of heating or cooling needed. Scroll compressors that are quieter, more efficient and last longer than traditional compressors.
Heat Pump Maintenance If you use your heat pump on a regular basis, you should change the filter about once a month. A heat pump absorbs heat from outside air and blows it inside to warm your home up. They are much less expensive to run than a gas furnace because they use a very small amount of electricity. Does a heat pump cool as well as an air conditioner? Heat pumps can heat AND cool the air unlike air conditioners.
What temperature is a heat pump not effective? Lighting Ceiling Fans. Decorative Light Strings. Light Bulbs. Light Fixtures. Office Equipment Computers. Imaging Equipment. Other Electric Vehicle Chargers. Laboratory Grade Refrigerators and Freezers. Pool Pumps. Smart Home Energy Management Systems. Vending Machines. Water Coolers. Water Heaters Commercial Water Heaters. Heat Pump Water Heaters. Solar Water Heaters.
Did You Know? Have a question about energy efficiency? Ask the Experts. How Does a Heat Pump Work? How Heat Pumps Work in the Summer In the summer months, a heat pump works just like a standard air conditioner would.
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