What Is A Heat Pump And How Does It Work?

What Is A Heat Pump And How Does It Work?

A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one place to another, from inside to outside or from outside to inside. In the Winter it works like a heater, extracting heat energy from outside and transferring it indoors. In the Summer the process reverses and it removes heat from your home, transferring it outside like an air conditioner.

Heat Pumps: Types and Differences

What is the difference between an air source heat pump, water source heat pump, and a geothermal heat pump?

While there are many different types of heat pumps with various names, they can all be categorized as one of three types: air source, water source, or geothermal heat pumps.

Air Source Heat Pump

An air source heat pump transfers energy in the air from one place to another. It uses an outdoor heat exchanger coil to extract heat from the air and an indoor heat exchanger coil to transfer the heat into air ducts, radiators, or a hot water tank. This process can also be reversed so that it can be used as an air conditioner as well.

Water Source Heat Pump

A water source heat pump operates similarly to an air source heat pump but uses water instead of air to transfer heat. These types of pumps are not available to everyone because of the resources needed, but if you live near a well, lake, or other natural resource this can be a viable option. A water source heat pump cycles water through a series of pipes that are laid out in water. As the water cycles it collects the heat and transfers that energy into your home. Again this process reverses in the summer and carries heat out of your house, also by way of the water in the pipes.

Geothermal Heat Pump

A geothermal heat pump is also called a ground source heat pump. In this system, the pump uses the Earth as its heat source. Conceptually, it is the same as an air source or water source heat pump.

There are two different methods of installation:

Horizontal Ground Coupled System
A horizontal ground coupled system buries horizontal piping 4 feet or more under the ground and circulates a fluid like antifreeze or water through it.

Vertical Ground Coupled System
A vertical ground coupled system has the same process as its horizontal counter part but the pipes are buried vertically.

The geography and climate around your New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, or surrounding Louisiana area home are important when deciding which kind of heat pump is right for you. If you have more questions about what kind is best for your home, or want to request a quote or service please call us today at 504-273-0522 or request service online.

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Contact the experts at Precise Comfort and Climate Specialists.

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