Does a Heat Pump Work in Cold Weather?

If you’re wondering whether or not a heat pump in Woodbridge VA works well for both the winter and summer time, the answer is yes. Woodbridge VA is a region with moderate heating and cooling needs, and heat pumps are an ideal energy-efficient alternative to air conditioners and furnaces. These heating and cooling systems use free energy available from Mother Nature. Because they transfer warm and cool air instead of generating it, these systems provide four times the amount of energy consumed and can reduce electric bills up to 40 percent. They also provide even temperatures and are better dehumidifiers than standard air conditioners.

Types of Heat Pumps

There are basically four types of pumps, including air-sourced, ductless mini-split, geothermal and absorption. Air-sourced pumps are the most common. Its refrigeration system is made up of interior and exterior copper tubing and a compressor. In the heating mode, the refrigerant extracts warm air from the outdoor air, and the air is evaporated into a gas. Heat is released from the indoor coils into the home. A reserving valve is used to change the direction of the refrigerant flow for cooling. One of the latest changes to air-sourced pumps is the reverse cycle chiller (RCC). This feature offers versatility, and homeowners can use a variety of HVAC systems, including zoned forced-air systems and radiant floor systems.

Ductless mini-split pumps are ideal for add-ons to existing systems like space heaters and are perfect for room additions. Just like air-source pumps, mini-split pumps have an indoor air-handling unit and an outdoor condenser. The main advantages of mini-split pumps are their compact size and ability for zoning. Most models can be zones up to four areas in the home. Each zone has its own thermostat, and room temperatures can be individually set. In addition, unoccupied spaces can have lower or higher temperatures to save on energy consumption and energy bills.

Geothermal pumps use the energy from the ground or from a water source for heating and cooling. Pipes are placed in the bottom of lakes or ponds or the ground. Geothermal pumps are not a perfect fit for all properties, and lot size, landscape and soil determine whether or not a geothermal pump is appropriate.

Absorption pumps are air-sourced pumps that are not powered by electricity. Its energy source is typically geothermal-heated water, natural gas or propane. Residential absorption pumps use ammonia to generate cooling and heating. The new innovation of generator heat exchanger technology has added to the efficiency of these pumps.

New Heat Pumps

Since 1979, Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing residents in Woodbridge VA with top brand pumps. You’ll find that Brennan’s offers heat pumps with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) and high Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for maximum savings on energy bills. We always do a professional heat and cool load calculation to make sure your new pump is accurately sized for ultimate performance. All of our installations are completed by highly certified technicians are 100 percent guaranteed. If you’re in the market for a new pump, be sure to give us a call for a free in-home estimate.