At one time, heat pumps were not a reliable source for keeping a home warm during extremely cold winters. They were better suited to mild winter climates, so a heat pump in Vermont wouldn’t make much sense. The times have changed, however, and the technology of heat pumps has come far enough that they can work efficiency even when the temperature plunges past freezing.
Red Rock Mechanical, LLC Blog: Archive for the ‘Heat Pumps’ Category
Reasons There Is Frost on Your Heat Pump
Monday, December 14th, 2015
Heat pumps have become increasingly popular as home comfort solutions. They offer both air conditioning and heating in a single unit, and developments in technology have significantly improved their ability to work energy efficiently during colder weather. As you turn your heat pump to heating mode for the winter, you might notice frost developing along the outdoor coil and cabinet. Is this normal, or a sign that the heat pump needs repairs?
Does My Heat Pump Need Maintenance in the Fall as Well?
Monday, October 12th, 2015
Fall is heating maintenance season across the country, but it’s especially important in a place such as Vermont where the winters can be extreme. Call up your local dependable HVAC contractor and arrange for a maintenance visit from a technician so that your heater is in the best shape for the coming cold weather.
3 Reasons to Install a Heat Pump for Your Air Conditioning
Monday, April 20th, 2015
Are you looking for a new air conditioning system to install before the summer heat arrives? One option that you should put on your list is a heat pump. A heat pump takes the basic operation of an air conditioning system and changes it so that it can also switch the direction it moves heat and brings heat indoors.
How a Heat Pump Works in Cold Weather
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013
A heat pump is an alternative to the traditional HVAC systems that most people are used to, combining the features of a heater and an air conditioner into one. It costs a little more to install, but makes up for the cost with more efficient service, saving the homeowner money in monthly bills. The system of a heat pump is similar to that of an air conditioner, with a closed loop system cycling refrigerant through a series of condensers and evaporators. In the winter, that process is “reversed,” creating heat instead of cold to fill your home. But what does that entail, specifically? Here’s how a heat pump works in cold weather.
In the winter, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the outside air and then goes to the compressor, where it is put under pressure which increases the temperature. Then that heat is then transferred to the inside air, and the warm air is distributed in your home via the ductwork.
Heat pumps are most effective on their own in climates where temperatures don’t dip below 40 degrees. Here in Vermont and upstate New York, our winters get colder than that. However, most heat pumps have backup electric resistant coils that can supplement the heat absorbed from the outside. In addition, many heat pumps in the area are hybrid units, which have a backup furnace that kicks on when the outside temperature gets too low for the heat pump to heat efficiently.
If you are interested in learning more about heat pumps, give us a call today. Or, if you already have one, you can schedule a repair or maintenance session to keep it running at its peak. Either way, Red Rock Mechanical has the skills and experience to do the job right.
