Air source heat pumps are an effective way to both heat and cool the home. A heat pump takes heat from the outdoor air and brings it into the indoor area. The better a heat pump works, the less energy it uses, which saves you a ton of money in the long run. Many factors can influence system performance, including the parts and how well they work. In this blog, we go over the main components of a heat pump so that you can be well-informed during a heat pump repair service.
The Components of a Heat Pump
A regular heat pump system has two main parts: an outdoor unit called the condensing unit and an indoor unit called the evaporator coil, also known as the indoor air handler unit. These units have many essential parts inside them.
Condenser Coil and Fan Motor
The condenser coil works as a heat changer all year round, no matter the weather. When it’s hot outside and your system is cooling, the coil lets out the heat it took from inside your home. But when it’s cold, and you want heat, the coil grabs heat from the outdoor air. A fan blows air over the coil to make this heat switch happen.
Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of a heat pump has some key parts that make it work in both cooling and heating modes. These essential pieces include a circuit board, compressor, reversing valve, expansion valve, condenser coil, refrigerant, and fan motor. Together, they’re responsible for how your heat pump cools or heats your home.
Evaporator Coil or Indoor Unit
The indoor part of your system, called the Evaporator, has two important parts: a coil and a fan motor. The coil works like a heat changer, whether you’re cooling or heating your home. When it’s hot and you’re cooling, the coil takes away heat from inside your place. But when it’s cold, and you’re heating, the coil gives off heat inside.
Compressor
The compressor is like the heart of your heat pump system. Its main job is to squeeze the refrigerant gas, making it go from low pressure to high pressure. In other words, it pressurizes the refrigerant and pushes it all around the system.
Refrigerant
The refrigerant is like the unique stuff in the system that soaks up heat when it’s needed and gives it off when it’s not. It moves around the heat pump and does this job.
Expansion Valve
The expansion valve works like a control knob for the refrigerant in the system. It helps the refrigerant to flow just right by lowering its pressure and temperature as it goes through the system.
Reversing Valve or Four-Way Valve
This electronic control valve has a particular job. It can make the refrigerant flow one way when you want heat and the other way when you want cool air. The circuit board tells it what to do, and it comes on and off when it’s time to defrost.
Our HVAC systems need proper maintenance to remain at peak efficiency throughout the year. When you invest in HVAC Heating repair services, it is critical to ensure that you hire an experienced company that knows what they are doing. Our team at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning explains how to find an ideal heating service contractor near you in this blog.
Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning offers top-quality heating and cooling solutions near you.
1)Check Online Reviews & Testimonials
Thanks to today’s age of digitization, the first step to finding a good heating service provider can be a simple Google search. It will give you a list of companies to choose from based on your unique criteria and can make it easy to find ones in your area.
Another way to find a heating service provider is to ask your friends and family for some recommendations. Their suggestions can help you make a more well-informed decision since you can trust their opinions and feedback.
2) Websites Are Important
More often than not, you will find all you need to know right on the website of the company you are considering. Check out what kind of services and products they offer, and take a look if they offer financing or other deals. Also, be sure to go through their heat pump repair page and other service pages to ensure they’re what you’re looking for.
3) Don’t Skip the Reviews
It may be tempting to just glance through the review pages of the companies you are considering, but it is not a good idea. Chances are that if you hire a company, your experience will be similar to what they have done for past clients. Always be sure to thoroughly read reviews and testimonials to guarantee you are getting the best for your home.
4) Hire the Best Company, Not the Cheapest
While this point might seem obvious, many people are tempted to go with the absolute cheapest deal they can find. However, getting certified and quality services are essential when it comes to heating and customer care. Try to find the best deal, meaning you receive the best quality for the least amount of money.
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Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning offers reliable heating and HVAC heating services. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!
Finding the right HVAC system for your home is a big decision. Looking at the efficiency rating is a good idea to help you choose an HVAC system. However, the efficiency of your HVAC system only matters, as other factors can impact the cost of heating and cooling your home. Keeping a few things in mind can help you determine the best system that meets your needs while still staying within your budget.
HVAC repair services
What is the SEER Rating? The efficiency of either a heat pump repair or air conditioning services is measured by using the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The SEER rating is the amount of energy needed to result in a specific cooling output. A higher SEER air conditioner will use less energy to keep your home cool than an air conditioner with a lower SEER.
What is the Recommended SEER? New systems manufactured after 2015 would need a SEER of 14. However, some air conditioners have a SEER rating of either 22 or 23. Discussing your needs with an HVAC company can help you determine the best option for your home.
What is the AFUE Ratio? The furnaces’ efficiency is measured using AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). The AFUE ratio is the annual heat output of a boiler or furnace compared to the total annual fossil fuel energy consumed by either the boiler or furnace. In other words, the AFUE ratio can help determine how efficiently your system operates in one typical year.
What is the Recommended AFUE Ratio? A furnace or boiler with a greater AFUE ratio will be more efficient. For example, an AFUE of 90 will convert around 90% of its fuel to heat while only wasting 10%, which is much better than a lower-rated furnace or boiler. Currently, the federal minimum AFUE ratio is 80% for brand-new systems, while an AFUE of 90% or higher is required for a furnace to be labeled high efficiency.
What Makes an HVAC System Less Efficient? An HVAC system can be less efficient, even with a high rating. Various external factors can significantly impact how efficiently your heater or air conditioner operates. Keeping some different things in mind can help you improve the efficiency of your system.
Here are a few of the most common factors that can negatively impact the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Poor Installation Hiring an experienced HVAC company to install your new system ensures the job is done correctly. Getting recommendations or looking at reviews online can help you choose the best HVAC company in your area. On the other hand, choosing the cheapest company can be a risk due to the potential for poor installation.
Leaky Ductwork Leaks can eventually happen in your ductwork over time. These leaks will usually get worse, which makes it even more challenging to keep your home feeling comfortable. Reaching out to an HVAC professional to inspect your ductwork is important in taking care of these repairs to help you keep your home feeling cozy.
Wrong Size Choosing the right size system for your home is essential to saving you money. A unit too big for your house will quickly turn off and on. On the other hand, a unit that isn’t big enough will struggle to keep your home comfortable. An HVAC professional can visit your home to determine the best unit size that will work for the layout and size of your home. The climate zone also impacts choosing the unit size for your house.
Lack of Maintenance An HVAC can begin to operate less efficiently due to a lack of maintenance. For example, dust can cause your system to work harder, which increases the cost of your energy bill. Staying proactive by scheduling routine maintenance can help you improve the efficiency of your system while also reducing the need for HVAC repair services.
Air Leaks Any leaks around your windows or doors make it more challenging to keep your house comfortable. One way to take care of this issue is to seal these leaks to improve efficiency. Installing new insulation for your home can also play a key role in making it easier to heat or cool your home throughout the year.
Reach Out to Professionals for HVAC Repair Services Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning offers HVAC repair services in Salem and the surrounding areas. Our team specializes in mini splits, fireplaces, duct cleaning, and heat pump repair. Providing quality HVAC services is always our number one goal. Feel free to contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about using our HVAC repair services!
