Heat Pumps

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COOLING
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HEAT PUMPS

What Is A Heat Pump?
A Heat Pump is basically an Air Conditioner that can change cycles from cooling to
heating and vise versa. It uses the evaporation of a refrigerant, to provide cooling or
heating depending on the signal of the thermostat. The mechanics evaporation cycle
are the same in a refrigerator as in an air conditioner. The term, Freon, is the term
used for any of various nonflammable fluorocarbons used as refrigerants and as
propellants for aerosols.

Diagram of a typical Heat Pump or Air Conditioner

How the COOLING cycle of a Heat pump works:

1. When the heat pump is switched to the cooling mode at the thermostat, The
compressor starts and the reversing valve solenoid is left in the de-energized position.
The outdoor coil is now dissipating heat to the outside air and the indoor coil is
absorbing hot air from inside the home.

How the HEATING cycle of a Heat Pump works:

1. When the heat pump is switched to the heating mode at the thermostat, The
compressor starts and the reversing valve solenoid is energized, allowing the valve to
reverse the direction of refrigerant flow. The outdoor coil is now the heat absorbing coil
extracting heat from the outside air and the indoor coil is the heat dissipating coil giving
off heat inside the home.

Heat Pumps come in various efficiencies,sizes and capacities.

Residential

Apartment
Complex

WHAT ARE
BTU / SEER / HSPF / EER / COP

Heat Pumps have their capacity rated in British Thermal Units or (BTU) the same as
Air Conditioners.. Generally speaking, a BTU is the amount of heat required to raise
the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. In heating and cooling
terms, 1 "ton of cooling" equals 12,000 BTU.

Heat Pumps have several ratings to consider; before making a decision on the best
system for you be sure and consult with a qualified heating and cooling contractor like
Harding Heating and Cooling to make an optimal decision. Some of the most
important ratings are_ Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) for cooling. _
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heating_ Energy Efficiency Rating
(EER) for both or Coefficient Of Performance (COP). Current guidelines require all
Heat Pumps to be a minimum 13 SEER or more.

If you purchase a Heat pump be sure and get the highest SEER to fit your budget. The
higher the SEER rating above the basic 13, the less you will spend to heat and cool
your home.