Heat pumps have come a long way over the years. In the 1960s, they had limited functionality, with most of them only offering heating. Heat pumps today, however, can both heat and cool indoor spaces. Many modern heat pumps can even run at variable speeds. Known as inverter heat pumps, they offer a superior level of energy efficiency. What is an inverter heat pump exactly, and how does it differ from a traditional heat pump?

Overview of Inverter Heat Pumps

An inverter heat pump is a type of heat pump with a variable power output. In other words, the speed at which it operates may vary from 0% to 100%. Inverter heat pumps will analyze environmental conditions, such as the temperature of the home. Using this data, they will adjust their power output. All of this happens automatically without any input or assistance from the homeowner.

Inverter vs Traditional Heat Pumps

All heat pumps are designed to transfer heat from an indoor space to an outdoor space and vice versa. They feature many of the same components as air conditioning systems, including an indoor coil and an outdoor coil. Refrigerant will flow through a heat pump’s two coils while transferring heat. The direction in which the refrigerant travels will determine whether the heat pump is in heating or cooling mode.

The difference between inverter and traditional heat pumps lies in their power output. Inverter heat pumps will change their power output from 0% to 100% automatically. Traditional heat pumps have a fixed power output that’s either on or off.

Some of the benefits of choosing an inverter heat pump include the following:

·         More energy efficient than a traditional heat pump

·         Cost-savings in the form of lower utility bills

·         More even and consistent indoor temperature

·          Quieter operation that many homeowners prefer

·         Better humidity regulation

·         Better protection against wear and tear

How Inverter Heat Pumps Work

Inverter heat pumps leverage a special type of compressor. Like air conditioning systems, all heat pumps need a compressor to pressurize the refrigerant. But inverter heat pumps use a variable-speed compressor.

The variable-speed compressor is an inverter heat pump is what changes its power output. As the demand for heating or cooling increases in the home, the variable-speed compressor will increase its power output. As the demand for heating or cooling decreases, conversely, so will its power output.