Heat pumps are very versatile devices because, yes, they can both heat and cool. The reason they can do this is because they have a component called a reversing valve that allows them to switch modes between heating and cooling. Heat pumps are complex, so if you are in need of air conditioning services in Austin, TX, call the professionals you can count on: Roznovak Services, Inc.
What Is a Reversing Valve?
A reversing valve is the component in a heat pump that changes the direction of the refrigerant flow. Every reversing valve operates in two states: relaxed or energized. Depending on the valve’s manufacturing, the state dictates what happens. For instance, one manufacturer may designate that relaxed provides cooling, while another designates that energized provides cooling. Whatever the designation of one state, the other state is always the opposite.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another; they use refrigerant to facilitate the transfer. In cooling mode, a heat pump works just like an air conditioner: it removes the heat and humidity from the indoors and transfers it outdoors. During winter, the heat pump absorbs heat from the surrounding area and transfers it into your home. Heat pumps use no fossil fuels and very little electricity, which make them very energy efficient.
What Are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?
We already touched on a couple of benefits of heat pumps – that they both heat and cool, and they are very energy efficient – but there are a few more benefits worth noting:
- Long lifespan – heat pumps have an average lifespan of 20-25 years, which is almost twice that of an air conditioning system.
- Balance humidity levels well – heat pumps keep healthy humidity levels year-round, including during winter, during which many people experience dryness because of combustible types of heat.
- Very green – a heat pump doesn’t use fossil fuels and emits no greenhouse gases, so they are very environmentally-friendly devices.
If you are looking for a 2-in-1 type of device for your home that is also efficient and environmentally friendly, you may want to consider the installation of a heat pump. Roznovak Services, Inc. has offered air conditioning service for customers in Austin, TX since 1979, and we can help you with all your AC needs.
