​
How to Install a Heat Pump: The Important Things You Need to Know
If you're reading this, you probably already know that heat pumps are one of the most popular ways to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. However, if you're like most people, you probably don't have a working heat pump yet. You may be wondering what exactly a heat pump is and how you can install one in your home. Keep reading to learn more about these eco-friendly heating and cooling solutions.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a mechanical system that uses air and water to transfer heat. It is usually an externally mounted box on the roof (an attic above your house is also an option) that can move more air over its fins than an air conditioner. Inside the enclosure, a series of copper pipes connect the outside air to an indoor coil. Coils contain refrigerants such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide and water. The condensers cool the coils and pressurize the air inside the box. The pressurized air is then pumped by fans through a duct to another set of outdoor coils, where it is heated. The air then returns to the house and is cooled by the coils.
How do heat pumps work?
Most people know that air temperature and humidity affect the rate of heat loss from a building. However, air movement is also important. For what ? Because moving air through a building not only replaces waste heat, but also cools the interior. Air movement is the process used by heat pumps to extract heat from the air around the building, move the air inside the house, and transfer the heat to the air outside the building. If you want to heat your home during the day, you will generally want to extract heat from the air outside your home. You don't want to heat the air inside the house because then you would end up with a lot of hot air inside your house that you would have to cool using electricity._cc781905-5cde- 3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_
How do you install a heat pump?
In the same way as for any other type of heating or cooling system. You need to determine the location of the thermostat for your current furnace or air conditioner. Then you take the ducts from the outdoor units and bring them into the attic. You will also need to determine where to connect any electrical, gas or water shut-off valves inside the house. Finally, you will insulate and seal the ductwork, fan motors, and other system components.
How much does a heat pump cost?
The cost of a heat pump can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including size, whether it is new or used, where you live.
Should you install a heat pump?
If you want to use less energy or reduce your carbon footprint, a heat pump is one of the best ways to do that. This highly efficient system uses little or no electricity to operate and produces zero exhaust emissions. A heat pump also has minimal running costs and requires no maintenance. Unlike a heater that needs to be cleaned and inspected regularly, you don't have to worry about how a heat pump works. It will keep working, quietly and efficiently extracting heat from the air and sending it into your home, all year round.
Where can a heat pump be installed?
In your attic and on your roof in hot climates. Your insurance company may also require the installation of a heat pump if it is more environmentally friendly than keeping your house at a constant temperature. You can also install a heat pump outside in areas with cooler temperatures. If you live in a cooler climate, a heat pump can keep your home at a comfortable temperature even in winter.
If you want to heat or cool your home using as little energy as possible, a heat pump is one of the best options. This highly efficient system uses little or no electricity to operate and produces zero exhaust emissions. It is also maintenance free and does not need to be cleaned and inspected regularly like a boiler does.