How Does a Heat Pump Work?

As The Heat Pump People, we are experts in heat pumps. However, you may be wondering what a heat pump is, how it works, and why you need to choose the correct one for your home.

Here are all your questions about heat pumps answered.

One of the most common misconceptions when it comes to heat pumps is that they create heat. However, heat pumps do not create heat at all. The heat pump’s job is to effectively move the available heat from outside and into your space. If it’s cooler outside, then the heat pump works harder to transfer heat.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Heat pumps work in two different ways:

• Heating - In heating mode, the heat pump moves available heat from one place to another (a much more energy efficient heating technique than traditional heaters which have to generate heat energy). The outdoor unit absorbs the heat from the air and transfers it inside using a refrigerant. The heat energy travels through copper pipework, over the heat exchanger, into the indoor unit and out into the room.
  
• Cooling - In cooling mode, the heat exchanger in the indoor unit is used to absorb the room’s heat energy using refrigerant. The heat energy is then transferred to the outdoor unit where that heat exchanger expels it

New Zealand and the South Island especially is particularly prone to some frosty weather, so it’s important to ensure that your heat pump can handle it when things get a little icy. Heat Pumps have a defrost feature that removes build-up on coils outside.

This is a necessary part of having your heat pump function effectively. Not all heat pumps are created equally so product selection is key in ensuring your heat pump will work at the temperatures and in the conditions you need it to.

It is essential to choose the right heat pump to ensure your home or commercial space is heated and cooled effectively. Every space is unique in terms of size, ceiling height, the number of walls and windows, doors and hallways, occupancy and usage. Insulation can also make a big difference to what type of heat pump is needed.

Homes or offices that are well insulated may require a smaller sized heat pump than that of an older, less insulated area. The best way to choose the right heat pump is to talk to a professional and discuss all your options before committing to anything.

The Heat Pump People are passionate about providing the finest in heating and cooling technologies to our clients. If you have any questions about heat pumps or about our services and how we can help you, feel free to contact us today. We are available on phone by 03 366 1823. Alternatively, you can reach us through our online contact form.