Southern California offers moderate temperatures and beautiful weather all year, the ideal climate for a heat pump. That’s good for homeowners because heat pumps provide up to 300 percent heating efficiency. However, a heat pump system that is poorly maintained can easily lose as much as 25 percent efficiency. Get to know your system so you’ll receive the best benefits.
Heat pump 101
Heat pumps are unique in that they provide heat without burning fuel. The system absorbs heat from one location, kind of like a sponge, moves the heat through the system and releases the heat in another location. It does this little by little, providing a smooth and complete conditioned airflow.
The components at work
The compressor pumps refrigerant back and forth between heat exchangers (condenser and evaporator), where the refrigerant extracts and releases heat. The reversing valve dictates which direction the refrigerant flows in, and this in turn determines heating or cooling modes.
In heating mode, the indoor blower pulls air across the condenser and instigates heat release. The blower sends the heated air through your home’s ductwork. The outdoor blower pulls air across the evaporator, causing the refrigerant inside to absorb heat, which will then be pumped through the system and released at the condenser. The same process occurs in cooling mode, except in the opposite direction.
Proper care
The heat exchangers should be kept clear of debris and buildup to allow adequate airflow. If the heat exchangers are clogged, this heat exchange won’t be as efficient, and it will cost you energy dollars. The indoor blower should also be wiped down from time to time. Regular service by a heating and cooling pro is required to keep the system performing at top efficiency.
If you haven’t serviced your heat pump recently, call Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating and we’ll get your system tuned to deliver you optimal comfort and efficiency. We’ve been providing the greater Los Angeles area with quality products and the highest standards of service since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating services Los Angeles, North Hollywood and the surrounding areas in California. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!