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Learn How a Heat Pump Works

When your home in Philadelphia, PA, needs a new heating and cooling system, you could get both functions in just one system with a heat pump. A heat pump is a cost-effective solution for moderate climates. Read on to learn more about how heat pumps work and what makes them an energy-efficient choice for your house.

How Heat Pumps Cool

When a heat pump is set to the cooling function, liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion device in the evaporator coil. Air from your home blows across the coils. The refrigerant then absorbs the heat and becomes a gas. This leaves cool air, which the air handler blows through your ducts. The warm refrigerant goes through the compressor, which increases its pressure. The hot, high-pressure gas then moves to the outdoor unit. A fan moves outdoor air across the coil, allowing the refrigerant to dissipate the heat. The refrigerant returns to a liquid state. The expansion valve reduces the refrigerant’s pressure, which cools it more. Now, a new cooling cycle can begin.

How Heat Pumps Heat

In heating mode, the heat pump’s reversing valve switches the flow of refrigerant. The outside air becomes the heat source. The outdoor coil functions as the evaporator, while the indoor coil functions as the condenser. Heat from the outdoor air is absorbed by the refrigerant. The condenser then applies pressure to it, turning it into a hot gas. It moves into the indoor unit. Cool air from your house is blown over the hot coil, which warms it. This cools the gas, returning it to a liquid. The outdoor unit then releases the gas’s pressure, completing the heating cycle.

Peters Associates is Philadelphia’s trusted provider of heat pump installations. Homeowners also turn to us for dependable heating and air conditioning repair, replacement and maintenance services. Our maintenance plans, indoor air quality, smart home, water heaters and maintenance services are designed to keep your home comfortable. We also offer commercial services for heating, ventilation and air conditioning services. To learn more, give us a call today.