With the rapid development of modern heating and air conditioning technology, you can become downright confused over how it all works. Most people still think of furnaces and fireplaces when they imagine heating their home. However, heat pumps use the exact same technology as air conditioners. Even better, they’re 30% to 40% more efficient than furnaces. For moderate low-temperature climates, like McKinney, Plano, Frisco, TX and surrounding areas, heat pumps warm your home at a much lower cost.

Heat Pumps: Air Conditioners in Reverse

A heat pump is not a separate device from an air conditioner. It’s the exact same device run in reverse. When you think about the workings of an air conditioner, you probably remember that cool air pumps into the home while hot air blows outside. When the process reverses, warm air blows into the home while colder air flows outside. However, the exact same equipment is used. Much of the confusion comes from old-fashioned furnaces. Traditionally, two separate pieces of equipment warmed and cooled temperatures inside homes. With today’s technology, though, one device can both heat and cool the home.

How a Heat Pump Works

A heat pump uses refrigerant, a chemical very sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure. The part of the unit called the compressor places the substance into a high state of pressure. The added pressure creates heat that’s released into the building. After releasing the heat, the refrigerant expands and rapidly cools back down. That makes it hungry to grab added temperature from the outside air. Even though the outside air may be cold, the refrigerant is much colder. Therefore, it still picks up additional energy before returning to be compressed again. This cycle repeats itself with the aid of electricity to warm the air and pump it into your home.

Safety of Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces

Gas-burning furnaces come with dangers. First, a continuous stream of natural gas works to keep the pilot light going. There’s the danger of gas leaks and combustion. Likewise, carbon monoxide poisoning can result from improper care of furnaces. With heat pumps, you eliminate these risks entirely. You may find that a heat pump not only warms your home, but also you sleep better at night.

Also, heat pumps and air conditioners run on the same equipment. Whenever you schedule A/C Tune-ups, you service your heat pump at the same time. There’s no need for separate service calls.

Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating

Call Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating for your heat pump and A/C tune-ups. We also offer a full range of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) services including:

• A/C Installation
• A/C Tune-ups
• Furnace Installation
• Furnace Repair
• Heat Pump Installation
• Ventilation Inspections, Repair & Installation
• And Much More

We service McKinney, Plano, Frisco, TX and surrounding areas.