If you\u2019re in the market for a new heating system this winter, you may be tempted to go with something standard like a furnace. While there\u2019s nothing necessarily wrong with that, it\u2019s a good idea to take a look at the wider heating market. You never know whether another heating system type might be a better fit for your needs. Let\u2019s take a look at heat pumps, how they operate, and how they can benefit you this winter.<\/p>\n
A heat pump has more in common with an air conditioner than with a traditional heater, at least at first. There are two units that make up the system, on installed inside and one installed outside. These two units are connected by power and refrigerant lines. When in heating mode, the outside unit evaporates refrigerant to absorb thermal energy from the surrounding air. Then, it sends the refrigerant gas inside to be condensed. This releases the thermal energy into the home to heat it. Heat pumps contain a part called the reversing valve<\/em> which allows them to change the flow of refrigerant through their systems. By doing this, they can act as either heating or air conditioning systems.<\/p>\n The ability to switch between heating and air conditioning is a huge advantage in and of itself, and is the main reason that people choose heat pumps over other systems. Saving money and space that would otherwise go to a completely separate system is a great feeling. Since a heat pump doesn\u2019t burn fuel to generate heat, it\u2019s also quite a bit more energy efficient than traditional heating systems.<\/p>\nAdvantages of Heat Pumps<\/h2>\n