5 Common Heat Pump Questions and Answers

The heat pump is one of the most important systems in your Conway, Arkansas, home. Functioning as an all-in-one HVAC system, it works to keep your house comfortable all year long by either cycling heat into your house our out of it. During the warmer months, it will work to direct heat outside of your home, but it can do the exact opposite during the colder months. It’s also efficient, producing around twice the amount of heat than the energy it uses. Whether you’re wondering if you should get one for the first time or if your heat pump is working properly, there are answers available. Learn about five common heat pump questions and answers, and discover more about your system to ensure it’s working properly all year long.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

You probably already know generally what a heat pump does, but how it works is a bit more complicated. When it’s working to heat your home, it gathers heat from the outside air and that heat is transferred into a refrigeration coolant. This may seem counterproductive if you’re trying to create heat, but the coolant is then compressed, which increases the coolant’s temperature drastically. Air is then passed over the heated coolant and sent into your home, bringing in heat.

If you’re looking to cool your home, the heat pump works in reverse. It draws in heat from the interior of your house and expels it outside, reversing the heating process. The key difference is that as the refrigerant is being warmed from the compressor, and the air passing into your house is losing heat to the refrigerant. When it is expelled from the heat pump into your home, it’s cold air that passes inside.

What If It Gets Too Cold?

Since heat pumps warm your home by taking in heat from the outside, some are concerned about their effectiveness when it gets too cold. Generally speaking, this system should work just fine, provided that the initial refrigerant is colder than outside temperatures. Heat pumps are rated for different temperatures, but most will be able to provide more than enough heat for your home as long as you live in a place that doesn’t see drastic temperature drops. Typical freezing temperatures won’t affect your system’s functionality.

Will Using a Heat Pump Increase Electricity Costs?

Heat pumps run on electricity, so yes, they will increase your electricity costs. Fortunately, that extra cost can be easily made up by the decrease in fuel costs. Using gas or oil for heating is costly, and it’s less efficient since there’s gas waste. An electric heat pump, on the other hand, has no waste and always works at 100% efficiency unless facing extremely cold temperatures. Put simply, your electricity costs will increase, but not commensurately with your decreasing fuel costs, so overall, you’ll be saving money.

How Often Will a Heat Pump Need Maintenance?

Heat pumps are built to last anywhere from ten to fifteen years, depending on their maintenance. It’s best to have your heat pump inspected and worked on no less than once a year. Many people choose to have maintenance completed before each heating and cooling season. Often, we find a small emerging problem during a regular maintenance appointment that if left, could result in a larger future repair.

Is Professional Help Necessary for Maintenance or Installation?

If you’re looking to fix your heat pump or install a new one, you’ll need the help of trained professionals. Freyaldenhoven Heating and Air is happy to help with all of your heat pump needs, whether it’s time for a seasonal checkup or you’re installing a brand new system. Our team is trained in all aspects of HVAC systems, so don’t hesitate to reach out no matter what your issues are. Get in touch with us online or call (501) 764-9077 today to discover what Freyaldenhoven Heating and Air can do for your home.

Image provided by Shutterstock