You may find it a bit boggling to understand how a system can both heat and cool a home, but the process is actually rather straightforward. During the summer season, a heat pump acts just like a central air conditioner. Heat is drawn out of the air in the home as is passes over the evaporator coil, where refrigerant is evaporated as it absorbs heat. That heat is then vented outdoors.
Unlike central AC, though, a heat pump can reverse its refrigerant cycle, thanks to a component called the reversing valve. This allows it to draw heat out of the air in the winter. The warmed refrigerant is compressed, boosting its thermal energy, and that heat is used to heat the house. It’s quite an efficient process, as heat is transferred into the home, rather than generated. Heat pumps are becoming a popular option, and if you’d like to learn more about one, contact us today.