Heat Pump Basics
So how does a heat pump work? Heat pumps move heat instead of creating it by burning fossil fuels, which is how most other heating systems work. They absorb heat energy from the air and move it from one place to another, usually between your home and the outdoors.
What Does a Heat Pump Look Like?
In most homes, the main heat pump unit is installed outside. It will look like a skinny air conditioning unit with a plastic cover, vent, and internal fan. However, heat pump configurations can look different depending on the type of installation:
- Ducted Heat Pumps: The main exterior unit is connected to your home’s ductwork with refrigerant lines. It blows air into your home through existing vents.
- Ductless Heat Pumps: The main exterior unit is connected to indoor air handlers. These are mounted to walls inside your home, and you can control their temperature individually.
- Heat Pump Water Heater: These hot water heaters usually have a heat pump outside the home, connected to an indoor water tank. But some modern units are “all-in-one.” The heat pump and the tank are combined into a tower and kept inside the home.
How Does a Heat Pump Cool a House and Heat a House?
Heat pumps can heat and cool a home, which is why they’re so beneficial. They have two operation modes that a homeowner can select depending on the season.
When a heat pump is in cooling mode, it removes heat from the air inside the home. The refrigerant in the indoor coil absorbs the heat and, through compression, condensation, and evaporation, releases it outside. This cools your home.
In the winter, the heat pump enters heating mode and works in reverse. It absorbs traces of heat from the outdoor air and releases it inside, which heats your home. This process works in very cold outdoor temperatures, even when it’s below zero.
How Does a Heat Pump Water Heater Work?
Heat pump water heaters work the same as heat pumps used for heating and cooling. Instead of moving heat from air to air, they move heat from air to water. The heated water stays in a tank, which you can then use for showers, dishes, and any other purpose in your home.
With split system heat pump water heaters, the heat pump is installed outside. It moves heat from the outdoor air into the water that’s kept in an indoor tank. With all-in-one units, the heat pump is attached to the water tank, and it moves heat from the surrounding air inside the home directly into the tank.
Hot water heat pump efficiency is much higher than conventional gas or electric resistance water heaters. Many times, these units are called hybrid water heaters because they have a backup resistance heater that kicks in when your household is using a lot of hot water.
You Could Receive a New Heat Pump at No Cost
Many families in Maryland have outdated heating, cooling, and water heating systems. These often run on fossil fuels and are inefficient, which is expensive. CAC provides a Maryland weatherization assistance program for eligible homeowners and renters. If you qualify, you could receive a heat pump installation at no cost for your home. Once installed, you’ll have lower utility bills and a safer and healthier home.
