A Few Ways A Heat Pump Differs From A Central HVAC

If your home needs a new HVAC system, you might want to get a heat pump instead. A heat pump supplies both warm and cool air, and it can be installed with or without ducts. Here are some ways a pump system differs from a central heating and air conditioning system.

The Pump Has A Reversing Valve

A heat pump uses refrigerant to both cool and heat your home. The pump works by moving warm air from inside your house to the outside, or from outside to the inside. The direction of heat movement can be switched due to the reversing valve.

In the summer, the blower puts out cool air, and it puts out warm air in the winter using the same equipment blowing air in different directions. This is quite different from the way a central HVAC works, as it needs separate equipment for the furnace and air conditioner.

Ducts Aren't Necessary

You might prefer to hook your pump system up to ducts, but you don't need them. Instead, the condenser outside can connect directly to wall blowers inside the house. The need for ducts can be eliminated completely.

The slight drawback is that the blowers mount on the wall and are visible. They're not as unsightly as a window air conditioner, but if their appearance bothers you, you might want to opt for a system that uses ducts instead.

The Blowers Can Be Controlled Independently

A benefit of choosing a ductless heat pump is that each blower in your home is operated independently. This allows you to turn off the heat or AC in a room that's not in use without having negative effects on the system.

This also allows you to keep your bedroom nice and cold while you keep other rooms warmer. Independent controls and a lack of ducts make a ductless heat pump system energy efficient too.

No Large Indoor Equipment Is Needed

If your home is small, you may like a heat pump system since it doesn't have a large air handler that takes up space in your attic, basement, or closet. A central HVAC has a large condenser that sits outside and a big air handler that's indoors and doubles as the furnace.

A heat pump has a large condenser outside and small blowers indoors that mount on the walls near the ceiling. There is no furnace or air handler to take up space in your home. If you opt for a ductless heat pump, you won't even have to worry about finding space to add ducts to your home. For more information, contact a heat pump installation service.


Share