What is a Heat Pump

What is a heat pump?

Heat pump

Like an air conditioner, a heat pump is the large metal box with a condenser coil and spinning fan that sits to the exterior of your house. Unlike an air conditioner, a heat pump provides cooling and heating. Heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house and during the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors. A dirty heat pump condenser coil lowers the efficiency and performance of your heating and cooling system. To keep your system operating correctly, have your heat pump condenser coil cleaned regularly and keep grasses and foliage from growing around your heat pump.

For climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces. There are three types of heat pumps: air-to-air, water source, and geothermal. They collect heat from the air, water, or ground outside your home and concentrate it for use inside. Air-source heat pumps have been used for many years in nearly all parts of the United States, but until recently they have not been used in areas that experienced extended periods of subfreezing temperatures. However, in recent years, air-source heat pump technology has advanced so that it now offers a legitimate space heating alternative in colder regions. For homes without ducts, air-source heat pumps are also available in a ductless version called a mini split heat pump.

Contemporary Air Systems specializes in the most common type of heat pump, the air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between your house and the outside air. If you have questions about air source heat pumps, needs heat pump repair or considering replacing or adding a heat pump system to your home, give us a call at (410) 391-3070 or Contact Us now.