What Is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?

Heat pumps are often an excellent HVAC option to keep your home both cool and warm throughout the year. While heat pumps are frequently found in houses, many homeowners aren’t familiar with these systems and may not think of them as an option for their heating and air conditioning needs. So, what exactly is a heat pump? Below we discuss the ins and outs of heat pumps, how they work, and why they might be the right heating and cooling solution for you.

Want to learn more? Contact Campbell & Company for additional info on heat pumps by calling  (509) 412-3146 today!

Types of Heat Pumps and How They Work

When considering a heat pump for your home, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the two types available: air-sourced and ground-sourced. Both of these units transfer cool air and heat, letting you determine which function is needed at any particular time throughout the year.

As the name suggests, air-sourced heat pumps transfer heat between the indoors and outdoors; these units are the most popular for residential dwellings. Ground-sourced heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps, transfer heat between your home’s inside air and the ground outside. While these models are initially more expensive, they are typically more efficient with a lower upkeep cost.

When You Should Have a Heat Pump

Once you understand how heat pumps operate, it’s key to know when a heat pump is a viable option for whole-home heating and cooling efforts. For Washington homes, heat pumps are a great alternative to a furnace/AC combo. In fact, in late 2022, the Washington Building Code Council ruled that all new homes and dwellings built after July 2023 must have a heat pump instead of a furnace. Their energy efficiency will help cut carbon emissions in the state while also helping you save on energy bills.

Important Heat Pump Components

In order to keep your heat pump in peak condition, knowing the key parts of your unit is a surefire way to stay on top of potential repairs.

• Outdoor unit: Operates as a condenser in heating mode and evaporator in cooling mode
• Indoor unit: Operates as a condenser in cooling mode and evaporator in heating mode
• Refrigerant: Needed to absorb and reject heat that runs through your system
• Compressor: Pressurizes the refrigerant
• Expansion valve: Regulates the flow of the refrigerant and reduces its pressure and temperature as needed
• Reversing valve: Reverses the flow of refrigerant, making it responsible for switching between heating and cooling

Choose Campbell & Company for Professional Heat Pump Services

Heat pumps can be wonderful HVAC solutions, and they are versatile in that they allow for both heating and cooling needs to be met. When you choose to have a heat pump installed in your Washington home, partner with the licensed and insured team at Campbell & Company for exceptional services! We’ve delivered industry-leading heat pump work since 1983, and we always strive for your 100% satisfaction.

Considering installing a heat pump? Schedule heat pumps services in Yakima and the Tri-Cities area today by calling (509) 412-3146 or contacting us online.