If you live in a part of the country that experiences mild or shifting weather, chances are you've heard of the benefits of using a heat pump to heat and cool your home.

Whether you live in a 'Sunshine State,' 'Golden State,' or the 'Land of Enchantment,' you're going to want to take advantage of the advanced technology and cost-savings that comes with using one.

More than ever, people are relying on heat pumps ranging from ductless mini-split and forced-air HVAC systems to tank water heaters because of their flexibility and energy-efficiency.

 

So, how does a heat pump work in a central HVAC system? Why is it so efficient?

 

Image: Goodman Manufacturing

 

What is a Central Heat Pump?

At first glance, a central heat pump system looks exactly like a forced-air furnace and A/C setup found in most homes, with one major exception - there isn't a furnace. In its place is what looks like a furnace, but instead is an air handler that involves a blower fan and an evaporator coil.

Rather than using a gas furnace that burns fossil fuels for energy (inefficient), heat pumps use an outdoor condenser for both heating and cooling.

 

In the dog days of summer, the heat pump acts as an air conditioner, removing heat from the home and expelling it outside. But, when the weather turns colder, that's when the real magic happens. The unit reverses the flow of refrigerant, captures heat from the atmosphere, and brings that warmth inside.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

To better understand how a heat pump adds or removes heat inside your home, it's good to know how the parts work together to form the system.

 

 

Parts of a Heat Pump

Split into two parts; the system contains an outdoor unit that looks similar to an air conditioner and an indoor air handler. Your heat pump, in conjunction with the air handler, distributes the conditioned air into rooms of your home.

 

Take a look at the cutaway diagram below to see what a heat pump system includes.

 

Why Are Heat Pumps So Efficient?

While shopping for electrical appliances, you may notice that many are now featuring what's called "Inverter Technology". But, what does that mean and how does it translate into energy savings?

An inverter is just a 'smarter' type of motor, and it's the motor that consumes the most electricity in any given appliance, especially a heat pump or air conditioner. Because it's up against the resistance of the compressor, it takes a significant amount of energy to compensate. So, the motor is made 'smart' with an inverter, or onboard computer.

The main difference between an inverter and standard air conditioner is that an inverter motor has a built-in computer that is capable of variable speeds to drive the compressor. A sensor inside continually adjusts the power according to the temperature, lowering the electrical consumption while saving energy.

Can Anyone Use a Heat Pump?

One of the most common questions we hear is if you can use a heat pump in a system with a furnace.
Q: "I live up north in a colder climate. If I have a furnace, does that mean I can't use a heat pump and reap the energy cost savings?"

A: Anyone can use a heat pump in addition to a gas furnace system to maximize efficiency and comfort. One of the unique benefits of using a heat pump is the ability to custom-tailor the comfort of your home without wasting energy.
Think of it as the Goldilocks of central HVAC equipment. During the changing of seasons, where it's hot & humid during the day but frigid at night, a heat pump handles both tasks efficiently and seamlessly. Instead of running the air conditioner and being too cold or running the furnace and being too hot, your heat pump system will keep everything just right!

 

For Colder Climates: Heat Pump + Furnace Packages For Warmer Climates: Heat Pump + Air Handler Packages

 

Heat Pump vs. Furnace

Now that you know how a heat pump system works to keep you comfortable year-round, it will be easier for you to pick out features that are important to you.

Next, we'll take a look at the differences between central heat pumps and furnaces, so that you can be 100% confident choosing your next heating and cooling system.

 

NEXT: Choosing Between a Gas Furnace and Heat Pump 

 

Central Forced-Air Buyer's Guide

HVAC-101 | Gas Furnaces-101 | Heat Pumps-101 | Packaged Units-101 | Air Conditioning-101 | Air Handlers-101