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How Air-Source Heat Pumps Work |
The most common type of heat pump is an "air-source" system. "Split" air-source systems have an outdoor unit, which includes a compressor, outdoor coil, fan, and reversing valve. That unit is connected with refrigerant-filled tubing to an indoor component. The indoor unit contains a fan, indoor coil, and a supplemental resistance heating element. "Package" systems combine both components in a single unit that's typically placed on the roof.
Depending on whether the heat pump is in a cooling or heating mode, the refrigerant moving through the system makes the indoor coils either hot or cold. A blower draws room air in through a filter and pulls it across the indoor coil. An optional electric-resistance heating element can kick on when needed to supplement the heat. As the air passes by the coils, it either gathers or gives off heat—depending on whether the coils are hot or cold. Warm or cool air travels through ductwork and registers into the house's rooms. Heat pumps give off less heat at one time than does a conventional gas furnace. This means that they offer a mellower type of heat, do not turn off and on with the same frequency as a gas furnace, and therefore circulate more air throughout the house. They are controlled by the same type of thermostat used for forced-air systems.
 On really cold days, a heat pump must work especially hard to collect heat—that's when the supplemental heater switches on to boost warmth.
Some heat pumps can heat a home's water, too. The Hydrotech 2000 Heat Pump by Carrier is a system that utilizes the warm air that a heat pump gives off to help heat water, as well. Adding to its performance is a built-in microprocessor that varies fan speeds and output depending on need. This greatly improves a heat pump's efficiency.
New thermal storage unit models even store heat and cold, collecting it during non-peak hours for peak-hour use. The Phoenix THP/3 stores both heat and cold in a large insulated water tank. It also supplements hot-water heat.
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