A heat pump is one system that both heats and cools your home. It does not burn fuel. It moves heat from one place to another, the same way your refrigerator moves heat out of the food compartment.
Cooling mode
In summer it works exactly like a central air conditioner. Refrigerant picks up heat from your indoor air at the air handler and carries it to the outdoor unit, which releases it outside.
Heating mode
In winter a reversing valve flips the flow. The outdoor coil pulls heat out of the outdoor air, even cold air, and the refrigerant carries it inside. Because it moves heat instead of making it, a heat pump can deliver more heat than the electricity it uses.
The main parts
The outdoor unit holds the compressor, outdoor coil, fan, and reversing valve. Indoors, an air handler holds the blower, indoor coil, and backup electric heat strips. A thermostat made for heat pumps controls both.
Why heat pumps suit the Piedmont Triad
High Point's winters are mostly mild, which is where heat pumps work best. On the coldest mornings the backup heat strips, or a gas furnace in a dual-fuel setup, help out.
Heat pump vs furnace
A furnace only heats, by burning gas or using electric elements, and needs a separate AC for summer. A heat pump does both jobs in one outdoor unit. See heat pump vs HVAC for how the terms fit together.
FAQ
Does a heat pump work in freezing weather?
Yes. It keeps working below freezing, with less output, and the backup heat fills the gap.
Why does my heat pump steam in winter?
That is the defrost cycle melting frost off the outdoor coil. It is normal.
Get your system replaced.
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