Why Choose a Heat Pump

By: First Supply

A heat pump is an energy-efficient alternative to an air conditioner and potentially, a furnace. Thanks in part to substantial Federal Tax Incentives, and Energy Rebates for residents in Wisconsin and Minnesota, heat pumps are currently gaining popularity compared to all types of fossil fuel heating and cooling equipment.

Heat pumps use electricity, instead of a fossil fuel source, to provide both heating and cooling. These systems save money by moving heat instead of creating it through combustion. This helps reduce energy and utility bills, resulting in annual savings. This transfer of energy has been in practice since the dawn of refrigeration.

How a Heat Pump Works

To understand how a heat pump works, think about the technology used in a refrigerator where heat is extracted from the inside of the refrigerator and is transferred outside of the refrigerator. This is the same process used by a heat pump.

In colder weather, heat pumps gather heat from cold air, or the ground outside and move it inside to heat a building. In warmer weather, heat pumps transfer warm air from inside a building to the outside. This process is similar to how an air conditioner (AC) operates.

Heat pumps rely on outdoor air or ground temperature to heat and cool indoors. Initially, people considered them to work best in climates where temperatures don’t often go below freezing. Technology has improved air-source heat pumps so they can now work well in colder temperatures. This makes them a good choice for heating and cooling in places like the upper Midwest, where First Supply does business.

Types of Heat Pumps

The three types of heat pumps are: Air Source, Water Source, and Ground Source (sometimes referred to as geothermal). Each type works by gathering heat (thermal energy) from the air, water, or ground, and moving it inside or outside to accomplish heating or cooling.

Here’s a more detailed explanation about how each type works:

  1. Air Source (ASHP)

    ASHPs draw heat from the air to provide heating and cooling. This is the most common type of heat pump.

  2. Water Source (WSHP)

    WSHPs use submerged pipes to draw heat from ponds, lakes, rivers, or aquifers.

  3. Ground Source (GSHP)

    GSHPs draw heat from the ground instead of collecting it from the air or water. This type takes advantage of more constant temperatures underground.

Dual Fuel Heat Pump Systems

A dual fuel heat pump system combines an electric heat pump (often an ASHP) with a gas furnace to provide heating for a home. These systems efficiency heat and cool your home all year long by alternating between the two fuel sources.

When outdoor temperatures are moderate to cold, the electric heat pump is used for heat. But in extremely cold temperatures, the heat pump shuts down and the gas furnace takes over. A thermostat controls the temperature at which the heat pump switches to the gas furnace. Dual fuel HP systems optimize energy consumption by automatically switching to whichever fuel source delivers the most efficient heating according to outdoor conditions.

System Components

Whether you choose an Air Source, Water Source, or Ground Source heat pump, your system will require additional components to function. Here’s a list of components used in HP HVAC systems:

Outdoor Unit

An Outdoor unit includes a fan and a coil. In cooling mode, the coil works as a condenser. In heating mode, the coil works as an evaporator. In both modes, the fan blows outside air over the coil to facilitate the process of heat transfer.

Indoor Unit

These include a fan and a coil. Indoor units are sometimes called air handlers. Depending on your setup, a furnace fan may fulfill this function. In cooling mode, the coil works as an evaporator. In heating mode, the coil works as a condenser. In both modes, the fan moves air across the coil and into ducts inside a building.

Refrigerant

HP refrigerant absorbs and releases heat as it circulates in the system. It has a low boiling point, so it absorbs heat at very low temperatures.

Compressor

A heat pump compressor moves refrigerant through the system.

Reversing Valve

A reversing valve determines whether an interior space will be cooled or heated. This valve directs the flow of hot gas from the compressor to the heat exchanger for cooling, or to the coil for heating. Note: a valve used in an air conditioner only goes in one direction, which is why they can only cool.

Expansion Valve

An expansion valve regulates refrigerant flow the way a faucet valve regulates water flow.

Net Zero Impact

In general, heat pump HVAC systems can reduce energy consumption by as much as 50% compared to electrical resistance heating and are up to 4x more efficient than gas furnaces. Heat pumps are a crucial component of plans to combat climate change. In a scenario where the world reaches net-zero emissions by 2050, heat pumps need to account for 20% of global heating capacity by the end of this decade according to an IEA analysis.

Get (Heat) Pumped!

Choosing the best heating method for your home or next project takes time and research. This article gives you the information you need to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a heat pump system so you can decide whether it’s the right heating/air conditioning solution for you. First Supply is your source for HVAC equipment, supplies, and information.

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FAQs: Why Choose a Heat Pump

As a Focus on Energy Trade Ally, First Supply can help facilitate FOE discounts for qualifying equipment purchased from First Supply (after 6/1/24). Please see our Focus on Energy HVAC Data Collection form for more information.