Most homes have a separate system for heating and cooling, but there’s one excellent option that can do both things, allowing for greater flexibility. It’s the heat pump, a device that functions like a combined furnace and air conditioner. Powered by electricity, this system absorbs and transfers ambient heat using refrigerant to provide consistent and efficient indoor comfort all year round. But did you know that heat pumps work differently in summer than they do in winter?
How Heat Pumps Work: Summer vs. Winter
Heat pumps can switch between heating and cooling depending on the season, making them a bit more unique compared to conventional HVAC systems. But like its counterparts, your heat pump also relies on refrigerant, a chemical blend used in freezers and air conditioners, to transfer heat from one area to another. During the winter, when your heat pump is set to heating mode, the system allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air or the ground. The accumulated heat is then released into your home to keep it warm and comfortable.
The reverse occurs during the summer, when your heat pump is set to cooling mode. Instead of pulling outdoor heat and distributing it indoors, the system makes the refrigerant absorb the heat from inside your home and send it outside. The heat pump’s fans then blow air over the refrigerant-filled coils, generating a cooling effect that provides instant relief from the summer heat. Given how the performance of your heat pump depends greatly on the refrigerant, you’ll want to make sure the chemical blend in the system remains at the same level. You can confirm whether or not your heat pump has the appropriate refrigerant “charge” by turning to a reliable air condition service company like EZ Air Conditioning and Heating for a comprehensive inspection.
What Happens if Your Heat Pump Has a Low Refrigerant Level?
Refrigerant leaks are a problem that occurs in both heat pumps and conventional HVAC systems. The loss of the chemical blend results in a low “charge” that causes the internal pressure of the system to drop. Basically, a low refrigerant level can compromise the performance of your heat pump, cause damage to its internal components and lead to increased energy bills if overlooked. In extreme cases, a refrigerant leak can even prompt a heat pump replacement.
Is there ice buildup in the heat pump’s refrigerant lines? Has it become difficult to cool certain areas in your home this summer, even when the heat pump is in cooling mode? Do you hear a bubbling or missing noise coming from your heat pump? These signs may point to a refrigerant leak.
Getting a New Heat Pump for Your Home
The fact is that repairing refrigerant leaks in the heat pump isn’t always effective, especially when the issue was allowed to take its course. Repairing the system and replacing its damaged components also tend to be more expensive compared to just getting a new one. If you’re planning a heat pump replacement this summer, make sure you have every base covered. Here are a few tips:
- Learn more about heat pump types. Like conventional HVAC systems, heat pumps come in ducted and ductless types. They’re also categorized on how they absorb heat. Heat pumps generally source heat from air, water and ground – with some models being hybrid systems. If you want a ground-and-air heat source heat pump, for instance, there are units available in the market. And while heat pumps usually run on electricity, there are models that can be supplemented with an alternate fuel source, such as natural gas or propane. These are called dual fuel systems. The cost of your heat pump will depend on the type you choose, so you’ll want to read up on each one’s pros and cons.
- Prioritize quality. Heat pumps offer many benefits, but if you want to get the most out of them, you’ll want to choose a high-end model from a trusted industry name. Basically, the more you invest, the less you’ll need to pay later on in your system’s lifespan. EZ Air Conditioning and Heating is a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer, which means access to some of the most reliable and efficient heat pumps available today. They come in three tiers, with Infinity® Series heat pumps as the premium option. We’ll be more than happy to help you explore your options and decide on the Carrier heat pump that best fits your needs.
- Check the features included in your new heat pump. Advances in HVAC design and technology have allowed for heat pumps that come with a myriad of excellent features. Take our Carrier Infinity 24 Heat Pump With Greenspeed® Intelligence, for instance. It comes with premium comfort features that allow for more precise thermal control and fewer temperature fluctuations. This option also offers excellent humidity control, capable of even removing up to 400% more moisture than standard heat pumps. Additionally, our Carrier heat pumps offer extremely quiet operation thanks to a sound blanket that’s up to 50% quieter than their counterparts.
- Hire a professional for the installation. Even the best heat pump is only as good as its installer. To fully benefit from your new system, make sure to work with a trusted HVAC company like EZ Air Conditioning and Heating for its installation. Many homeowners in the San Antonio area have called on us for exactly this – and we have never let them down. We remain the top choice for residential heating and air conditioning services because:
- We are a fully qualified HVAC contractor whose professional team are North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certified.
- We are a family-owned and -operated business that knows your exact comfort needs and will tailor the HVAC solution to perfectly meet them.
- We have over 20 years of providing the San Antonio area with top-tier solutions to all their HVAC needs.
- We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer who has earned four President’s Awards.
- We maintain an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau and receive five-star ratings from satisfied customers.
- We combine superior products, high-quality workmanship, and personalized service to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Incomparable HVAC Services in San Antonio
You may recognize EZ Air Conditioning and Heating as the go-to company for air condition repair and maintenance. But if you need a professional to handle your heat pump installation, we’ll be more than happy to take care of the project. We proudly serve homeowners in and around San Antonio, TX. Call us today at (210) 429-9186, or fill out this contact form to schedule an HVAC evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you!
