Are you looking for a new heating system for your home in Minneapolis, MN? A heat pump might be the right solution for you! This type of heating and cooling equipment is great because it uses only half the energy of standard electric heating systems and works very efficiently using environmentally-friendly refrigerant.
What are the Main Benefits of a Heat Pump?
1. Heat pumps can save you money. By using electricity, heat pumps make the most of your energy dollar by transferring heat energy from one place to another—from outside to inside, or vice versa. If properly selected and installed, they are two to three times more efficient than furnaces because they generate heat in a single step rather than repeatedly heating air.
2. Heat pumps are quiet. The outdoor unit is noiselessly mounted atop the roof or in an out-of-the-way spot on your property. Inside, a fan blows air over copper coils to cool it and through the heated coils to warm it. You’ll barely know it’s running.
3. Heat pumps are versatile. Not only do they provide heating and cooling, but they also work in reverse to remove humidity during the summer months—so you’ll never have to deal with soggy windows or fogged mirrors again. Even if you already have an existing central air conditioner, you can still replace it with a heat pump.
If you want to take advantage of these benefits, use iHeart Amana’s Brand local dealer locator to find the best contractor in your area and ask for a heat pump installation appointment!
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
A heat pump is a centrally-installed piece of equipment that extracts indoor heat from one area then transfers it to another. It works by using a refrigerant as its energy source.
A compressor is used to prevent the refrigerant from evaporating, and this process creates pressure variations in the low side and high side of the system. A heat exchanger then facilitates heat transfer by pushing heat through the heat pump using these pressure variations.
Heat pumps are typically used in both heating and cooling applications, but they can also be used just for one or the other. In heating mode, a refrigerant within an indoor evaporator coil absorbs energy from indoor air to transfer it through the heat pump. Then, outdoor air is used as the source of energy for the condenser coil on the exterior side of the unit.
Heat pumps operate similarly in cooling mode by extracting heat from an indoor or outdoor evaporator coil and transferring it to an outdoor condenser coil.
How is a Heat Pump Installed
A heat pump installation should only be done by a certified, expert HVAC technician who ensures that it is properly connected to your home’s ductwork and electrical system.
You’ll need to determine the correct size of the unit based on your home’s specific characteristics, such as its square footage and the number of windows and doors. Your contractor will then position the heat pump’s outdoor unit near an outdoor air supply duct. The indoor unit will be placed in your home, usually on a wall near the floor or in an equipment closet.
If you’d like to install a heat pump inside your Minneapolis, MN, area home, find your local HVAC dealer through iHeart Amana! The technicians at the HVAC company you contact can answer all of your questions and can come to give you an estimate that is customized to your home’s individual needs.
What are the Signs that you need to Replace your Heat Pump?
Do you know how well your heat pump is performing? Are you constantly having a service technician come to repair it? Consider these questions and the following signs to determine if you need a heat pump replacement in Minneapolis, MN:
- Age—Heat pumps can last for up to twenty years with regular maintenance, but they aren’t designed to run forever. After two decades of continuous use, the compressor will likely need to be replaced. This is because it’s one of the most sensitive pieces in the equipment, which means that even a small problem will cause your system to break down completely.
- Worn-out components—If you’ve noticed leaks around the condensate drain line or compressor, it’s a sign that you’ll soon need a heat pump replacement. You should also consider replacing it if your unit is constantly making unusual or loud noises that it didn’t make before.
- Frequent repairs—If you need to have your heat pump repaired more than twice a year, then it may be time to replace the equipment. How will you know if this is the case? Listen to your HVAC technician. Your technician will inspect your system and let you know when a replacement is necessary.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it may be time for heat pump replacement services in Minneapolis, MN! Use iHeart Amana’s “Find Local Dealer” button to find the best company for your needs.
