When researching heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) technologies, you may encounter air-source heat pumps. It’s commonly used in the Southeast. While some Georgia homes feature a traditional air conditioning system, others feature an air-source heat pump. Before making the switch, though, there are several things you need to know about air-source heat pumps.
#1) Work Like Traditional AC Systems
Air-source heat pumps work like traditional air conditioning systems. They feature two coils, a compressor, refrigerant and ductwork. One of the coils is installed indoors. The other coil is installed outdoors. Refrigerant will absorb heat at the indoor coil, and it will release this heat at the outdoor coil.
#2) Performs Cooling and Heating
Considering that they work like traditional air conditioning systems, you might be wondering how air-source heat pumps differ from their traditional counterparts. The main difference is that traditional air conditioning systems only provide cooling, whereas air-source heat pumps provide cooling and heating.
#3) Leverage a Reversing Valve
To switch between cooling and heating, air-source heat pumps leverage a device known as a reversing valve. The reversing valve controls the direction in which the refrigerant travels. Like traditional air conditioning systems, air-source heat pumps move refrigerant around in a closed environment. Refrigerant will travel from one coil to the other coil, followed by repeating the cycle.
When refrigerant goes from the indoor coil to the outdoor coil, the air-source heat pump will provide cooling. When it goes from the outdoor coil to the indoor coil, the air-source heat pump will provide heating. The reversing valve controls the refrigerant’s flow direction, allowing for both heating and cooling.
#4) Up to 50% More Efficient Than Furnaces
Air-source heat pumps are known for being energy efficient. When compared to electric furnaces, they are up to 50% more efficient. Air-source heat pumps offer similar efficiency levels for cooling as traditional air conditioning systems. Nonetheless, they are highly efficient at warming the homes in which they are used. This is because air-source heat pumps transfer heat from the outside of a home to the home’s interior. Electric furnaces, on the other hand, have heating elements that require a steady flow of electricity to produce heat.
#5) Differs From Ground-Source Heat Pumps
Most heat pumps fall under one of two categories: air source of ground source. Air-source heat pumps are the most common. They work by pumping heat from the indoor air or outdoor air and transferring it to the opposing space. Ground-source heat pumps, in comparison, work by pumping heat from the ground and transferring it indoors or vice versa.