What is a heat pump and how does it work
As a certified HVAC company operating across Toronto and the greater surrounding areas, including Brampton, Scarborough, Burlington, and more, we often receive questions from homeowners in search of a new heating system. And because these regions experience mild climates, our certified HVAC technicians regularly recommend installing a heat pump. So, what is a heat pump, and how does it work?
Keep reading to find out more information!
What is a heat pump, and how does it work?
A heat pump is a type of heating system that provides homeowners with the ability to heat up the interior of their homes using a thermostat, regardless of what the weather is like outside. However, one of the most unique features of this HVAC system is that it also enables homeowners to cool their homes during the summertime!
How? Well, it’s all because of refrigerant, which is a special fluid that is capable of absorbing and releasing heat as it moves through the heat pump compartment. So, when you want to heat your home, the heat pump takes warmth from the environment's air (even in cold weather, there is still a certain amount of heat in the atmosphere) and concentrates it using refrigerant. This heat is then circulated throughout your home via a network of ducts or pipes.
On the flip side, when it comes to cooling your residence, the heat pump operates in reverse. It moves heat within your home to the outdoors, leaving cool air behind. And in other words, a heat pump is capable of transporting heat from where you don't require it to where you do, whether that's warming or cooling your home in the winter or summer. It is an affordable and sustainable method to keep your house comfortable throughout the entire year.
What is the major problem with heat pumps?
Although heat pumps are an excellent way to regulate the temperature of your home, they do have some drawbacks. One of the major issues with heat pumps lies in the fact they might not work as well in temperatures that are extremely cold.
Heat pumps, as we already noted, work by collecting heat from the surrounding air and introducing it into your home through ductwork. However, when the temperature drops below freezing, there is a smaller amount of heat in the air for the heat pump to extract. This means the heat pump has to function more diligently to heat the house, which causes it to be less efficient. Keep in mind that because temperatures rarely drop below -10 degrees Celsius in the Greater Toronto Area, residents living within this region can benefit from installing a heat pump in their homes.
In contrast, in extreme temperatures where it is above 40 degrees Celsius, a heat pump can also stop working. Again, because temperatures in areas such as Etobicoke, Milton, Vaughan, Halton Hills, Richmond Hills, and more do not see temperatures this warm, a heat pump will remain efficient through the summer.
How do heat pumps work in winter?
Like all heating systems, in the winter, when you feel that the interior of your home is too cold, you'll go to your thermostat and set a temperature that is more to your liking. When this occurs, your home's heat pump will kick in to extract heat energy from the outdoor atmosphere using a coolant fluid before your heat pump moves it through your home using ducts or a vent. This will then increase the indoor temperature of your residence to make it more comfortable for you and your loved ones.
Do I need a furnace with a heat pump?
The need for a furnace with a heat pump is determined by a variety of factors, including where you live and how well-insulated your home is. Generally speaking, a heat pump is efficient enough for homeowners to heat their homes to their liking throughout the winter without the need for a supplemental heat source. Because the GTA has a mild climate, a furnace is most likely not required, as temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
That said, if you have an older home with inadequate insulation, you may need more than just a heat pump to sufficiently heat your home. The decision to use a furnace with a heat pump is influenced by your personal heating needs as well as the characteristics of your home. So, we encourage you to reach out to a professional technician at AtlasCare to schedule a consultation appointment!
What is the process of installation of a heat pump?
When you choose to set up a heat pump, a technician will come to your home during a consultation appointment and evaluate your individual cooling and heating needs by taking measurements while considering variables such as the size of your residence and the total number of spaces.
A technician will then prepare the installation site once a unit has been selected and confirmed by homeowners. This may entail removing any existing air conditioning or heating equipment and setting up any ductwork or piping that is required.
Following that, the heat pump will be installed. Mounting the unit outdoors, linking the coolant lines, and connecting the power lines are all part of this process. The unit inside the house is typically installed on a wall or ceiling and is linked to the outdoor unit through a hole in your wall.
After the completion of the physical installation, the technician will test the heat pump to ensure that everything is in working order. They will inspect the refrigerant lines for leaks, adjust the circulation of air, and configure the thermostat.
Are you considering a heat pump for your home? If so, look no further than the team at AtlasCare. We serve homeowners throughout the Greater Toronto Area, providing them with customized heating and cooling solutions tailored to their unique needs! Book a appointment with us today for fast, reliable service you can count on!
