Buying Guide: What Is a Heat Pump, and How Does it Work?

A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one place to another, using either mechanical or electrical work. The most common type of heat pump is an air-source heat pump, which extracts heat from the outdoor air and uses it to warm a building. Heat pumps can also cool buildings by extracting heat from the indoor air and releasing it outdoors.

Home heating systems have a limited lifespan, with furnaces lasting about 15-20 years and boilers lasting a few years longer. If you’re thinking about installing a heat pump in your house, consider that it’s a little more involved than simply replacing old equipment. Modifying ductwork, maybe changing your electrical service, finding space for an outdoor condensing unit, and, in certain situations, installing refrigeration lines or wiring into various portions of your home could all be part of the process.

Are you unsure whether a heat pump is suitable for your home? This blog post covers how heat pumps work and their advantages and disadvantages.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a mechanism that uses an electromechanical compressor to transport heat from one location to another. As a result, it can heat and cool specific living spaces. The same logic applies to refrigerators and air conditioners.

An air-source heat pump uses the earth’s thermal mass to extract heat and transport it into your home, whereas a ground-source heat pump uses the thermal mass of the earth to extract heat and transfer it out of your home to cool it down.

Heat pump technology has been around for a long time and constantly evolves. Heat pumps are becoming increasingly used for space heating and cooling.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

A heat pump consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit contains a fan, a compressor, and an evaporator coil. The indoor unit contains a furnace or air handler and a condenser coil.

The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, soil, or water outside and transfers it inside. The refrigerant then releases the heat inside the home through the indoor unit.

The fan in the outdoor unit blows air across the evaporator coil, and this causes the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb heat from the air. The compressor then pumps the refrigerant to the indoor unit, where it releases the heat.

Refrigerant lines connect the indoor and outdoor units, and these lines allow the heat pump to transfer heat from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.

Different Types of Heat Pumps Are Available

Heat pumps are divided into air source, split-ductless, and geothermal. Heat pumps all work on the same principles, although they collect heat from different places. All heat pumps, regardless of kind, should be installed by a skilled HVAC expert who can evaluate the appropriate size and product for your home and climate.

Heat Pump with Air Source

The most common type of heat pump is the air source, often known as air-to-air. The system consists of an indoor and an outdoor unit that extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it into the house. These heat pumps are low-cost and take up very little room. Because they exchange heat with outside air, the units are extremely energy efficient.

Heat Pump with Ductless Split System

Mini-split heat pumps are sometimes known as split ductless heat pumps. There are two components: an outdoor compressor and up to four indoor handlers. These systems circulate refrigerant through tubing that connects the indoor and outdoor units, eliminating the need for ductwork. Split-ductless heat pumps are energy-efficient, quiet, and can be controlled remotely. They are great for homes without ducts because they provide architectural flexibility.

Heat Pump Powered by Geothermal Energy

Ground and water source geothermal heat pumps are the two types of geothermal heat pumps. They circulate heat through a network of pipes buried in loops outside. Geothermal heat pumps, in addition to controlling temperature, also manage humidity. These systems are low-maintenance and function effectively in harsh environments.

Subtypes of Heat Pumps

There are various sub-types of heat pumps, including hybrid, solar, absorption, or gas-fired heat pumps, in addition to the three major types.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps?

There are several advantages to using a heat pump, including the following:

• -They are relatively efficient and can save you money on your energy bills.
• -They can heat and cool your home, providing year-round comfort.
• -They don’t require a lot of maintenance and are generally very reliable.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using a heat pump, including the following:

• -They can be expensive to install.
• -They may not be as effective in very cold or hot weather.
• -They can make some noise when they are running.

How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost?

There is a great deal of variation in the cost of heat pumps. Some factors that will affect the price include the size and efficiency of the unit and the specific features that you are looking for. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 for a quality heat pump. Some units may even be eligible for government rebates or tax credits, so be sure to do your research before purchasing.

Begin by Hiring the Correct Contractor

Replacing your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a significant project that necessitates professional assistance. The first step is to locate a licensed and qualified contractor, and who can assist you in making the most excellent buy for your home and needs. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority require HVAC contractors in Ontario to be licensed and registered.

Separate documented estimates from at least three different contractors are essential. When presenting you with options, each contractor should examine the size, construction, and layout of your property and do a heat loss assessment. They should check to see if the ducting can handle the airflow requirements of your new equipment. The estimate should include data on the recommended equipment and information on its efficiency and warranty. You should also request that your contractor factor in the costs of removing and properly disposing of your old furnace. Ensure that your equipment is inspected after it has been installed.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Air-source Heat Pump?

Instead of using fuel to generate heat, air-source heat pumps use the refrigeration cycle to transport heat into and out of your home. Air-source heat pumps for cold climates are designed to extract heat from the outside air at temperatures as low as -25°C. However, as the outside air temperature lowers, the heat pump’s ability to extract heat from the air decreases and the efficiency of these systems decreases. On the other hand, air-source heat pumps are still more efficient than electrical heating systems and can be more cost-effective than oil and gas heaters, even during a cold spell.

Select the Appropriate Size

When it comes to heat pumps, size matters a lot. Choosing the proper size will help you prevent problems like high energy bills, severe temperature swings, interior humidity imbalances, and system short cycling. A heat pump that is too tiny will work too hard to provide the quantity of heat you require in your home, whereas a heat pump that is too large will emit too much heat, resulting in inefficiency.

When it comes to size, the heating and cooling output of the unit is more important than its actual size. Heat pumps typically range in power from 1.2 kW to over 10 kW. Here are some things to think about when deciding on the size of your heat pump:

• Whether or not it will be primarily utilized for heating or cooling
• The average seasonal high and low temperatures in your area, as well as the average seasonal high and low temperatures
• The amount of insulation in your home and the size and number of people who live there.

Is there a Hybrid Solution?

To meet their heating and cooling demands, many homes have a furnace (or boiler) and an air conditioner. There’s a rising trend to replace the air conditioner with an air-source heat pump, which serves as air conditioning in the summer and may also be a more efficient and cost-effective heating solution for the majority of the heating season.

This approach can save a homeowner money in the long run while also being more ecologically friendly. Check the qualifying requirements if you want to use a rebate or incentive to help pay for the heat pump. Some new installations may require a complete replacement of the current heating and cooling system.

Conclusion

If you are looking to buy a heat pump, you must understand the difference between air conditioning and heating. Depending on your home’s climate control system, heat pumps can work as both an air conditioners and a heater. If you live in areas with cold winters, then this may be something worth considering for your next purchase.