If you’re building a home or renovating your heating and cooling system, you need to talk to your HVAC contractor about the systems available. One common question during this process is whether the homeowner needs an air conditioner installed in addition to a heat pump. You may be surprised to find that a heat pump can cover both the heating and cooling needs of your home — and with the efficiency of an air conditioner.

How It Works

A heat pump isn’t just designed to send warm air into the home. The same machinery can also pump heat outside, cooling your home even in the hottest weather. This is because a heat pump is essentially a large refrigerator coil — the same as the cooling element in an air conditioner.

In a refrigerator coil, a constant amount of refrigerant is compressed into a smaller volume of space to heat it up or decompressed to cool it down. The system moves heat from one area to another by controlling which sections of the coil are compressed or decompressed and moving the refrigerant once it is heated or cooled. This works equally well whether the heat is being moved into or out of your home, regardless of the outside temperature.

In Practical Terms

Simply put, a heat pump can be used to both heat and cool your home depending on your needs. Because they accomplish cooling by the same means, a heat pump will use a similar amount of energy as an air conditioning system with similar specifications. They also require the same amount maintenance from an HVAC contractor as an air conditioner unit. A heat pump uses less power for heating than other options available, so the result is less overall spending on temperature control throughout the year.

If you’re deciding on heating and cooling systems for your home, talk to your HVAC contractor about a heat pump. Since 2001, Total Mechanical Systems in Plainville, CT, has been building its reputation as a top quality HVAC contractor and remodeling service. Whether you’re looking for help with new bathroom safety features or a heating contractor to keep your home cozy, they have the equipment and expertise you need. To discuss your project, call (860) 314-1518