Air source heat pumps are an effective way to both heat and cool the home. A heat pump takes heat from the outdoor air and brings it into the indoor area. The better a heat pump works, the less energy it uses, which saves you a ton of money in the long run. Many factors can influence system performance, including the parts and how well they work. In this blog, we go over the main components of a heat pump so that you can be well-informed during a heat pump repair service.
The Components of a Heat Pump
A regular heat pump system has two main parts: an outdoor unit called the condensing unit and an indoor unit called the evaporator coil, also known as the indoor air handler unit. These units have many essential parts inside them.
Condenser Coil and Fan Motor
The condenser coil works as a heat changer all year round, no matter the weather. When it’s hot outside and your system is cooling, the coil lets out the heat it took from inside your home. But when it’s cold, and you want heat, the coil grabs heat from the outdoor air. A fan blows air over the coil to make this heat switch happen.
Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of a heat pump has some key parts that make it work in both cooling and heating modes. These essential pieces include a circuit board, compressor, reversing valve, expansion valve, condenser coil, refrigerant, and fan motor. Together, they’re responsible for how your heat pump cools or heats your home.
Evaporator Coil or Indoor Unit
The indoor part of your system, called the Evaporator, has two important parts: a coil and a fan motor. The coil works like a heat changer, whether you’re cooling or heating your home. When it’s hot and you’re cooling, the coil takes away heat from inside your place. But when it’s cold, and you’re heating, the coil gives off heat inside.
Compressor
The compressor is like the heart of your heat pump system. Its main job is to squeeze the refrigerant gas, making it go from low pressure to high pressure. In other words, it pressurizes the refrigerant and pushes it all around the system.
Refrigerant
The refrigerant is like the unique stuff in the system that soaks up heat when it’s needed and gives it off when it’s not. It moves around the heat pump and does this job.
Expansion Valve
The expansion valve works like a control knob for the refrigerant in the system. It helps the refrigerant to flow just right by lowering its pressure and temperature as it goes through the system.
Reversing Valve or Four-Way Valve
This electronic control valve has a particular job. It can make the refrigerant flow one way when you want heat and the other way when you want cool air. The circuit board tells it what to do, and it comes on and off when it’s time to defrost.
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Heat Pump Repair!
Need heat pump repair in Salem, OR? We’ve got you covered! Contact us at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a service.
