Heat Pump System Fundamentals (2024)

FAQs

What are the fundamentals of heat pumps? ›

The heat pump itself consists of a compressor, which moves a refrigerant through a refrigeration cycle, and a heat exchanger, which extracts heat from the source. The heat is then passed on to a heat sink through another heat exchanger.

But why is 68 degrees the best winter thermostat setting? In winter, heat loss through walls, windows, and doors is a significant contributor to energy wastage. At 68 degrees, your heating system provides enough warmth to counteract this heat loss.

You'll pay an average of $8,100 to install a heat pump that services 2,000 square feet. This cost assumes a 4-ton heat pump, though the price will fluctuate according to other factors.

Some Heat Pumps Are Inefficient at Lower Temperatures.

If you live in a cold weather climate, purchase a system designed to perform in your region. In extremely cold temperatures, heat pumps might need to work harder to produce warm air, but modern systems have been engineered to handle such conditions effectively.

There are three basic parts of a heat pump – the condenser, compressor and evaporator. This type of system is referred to as an air-to-air transfer system or closed-circuit heat pump. There are other parts of a heat pump, but these three components are the most fundamental and easiest to understand.

A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs. When temperatures fall to 25 to 30 degrees, a heat pump loses its spot as the most efficient heating option for an Atlanta home.

Avoid “Auto” mode.

To avoid accidentally air conditioning on a mid-winter sunny day or perhaps when a wood stove is running, use “Heat” mode, not “Auto.” Likewise, to avoid accidentally heating on a cool summer night, use “Cool,” “Dry,” or “Fan” mode, not “Auto.”

Thermostat Settings — Heat pumps work best when you keep your thermostat at a constant temperature all the time — overnight or when you're out for the day. Unlike furnaces and boilers, adjusting your thermostat for short-term situations is not recommended and may lead to higher energy bills.

Not only great for cooling your home, a heat pump is an all-in-one year-round home comfort solution that can cool, heat, and provide hot water.

How long does it take for a heat pump to pay for itself? ›

Utility bill savings

So while heat pumps cost more upfront, their savings can often pay themselves off within 8-12 years.

Compressor. As one of the most expensive heat pump replacement parts, the compressor costs between $750 and $4,500 to replace.

The condenser is located outside because it removes heat from your home. This heat must go somewhere, so the unit is designed to release and dissipate it outdoors. A condenser can also be quite loud, so placing it outside your home means you won't hear it running day and night.

A heat pump uses electricity to provide both heating and cooling to a building. These appliances are efficient at transferring heat from one place to another, depending on where it's needed.

The operating principle of a heat pump

The environment offers ambient air, the ground as well as groundwater for heat pumps as inexhaustible and free energy sources. To convert this environmental energy into heating energy, the heat pump makes use of the physical principle known as the Joule-Thomson effect.

A mixture of water and anti-freeze is pumped around the ground loop and absorbs the naturally occurring heat stored in the ground. The water mixture is compressed and goes through a heat exchanger, which extracts the heat and transfers it to the heat pump. The heat is then transferred to your home heating system.

Currently, the most common design involves four main components: evaporator, condenser, compressor and expansion valve.