The heat pump is another important home component, as it’s a device that can help make your home warm and comfortable during the winter season. Surprisingly enough, however, many homeowners don’t know much about their heat pumps. If you have a heat pump at home, it’s always best to learn everything you can about it, starting with its anatomy.
Air conditioning repair expert Air Comfort outlines the anatomy of a heat pump below:
Compressor
According to experts, one of the parts of that make up a heat pump is the compressor, and while it may seem unfamiliar to some, chances are you’ve actually already seen it. In fact, it’s actually the outdoor unit of your heat pump. Typically, the compressor contains coils that allow refrigerants to circulate throughout your unit. In addition, it also removes heat from your home or extracts heat from the outdoor air, depending on the season.
Air Handler
The air handler, on the other hand, sits inside your home and usually includes the blower, evaporator, heat exchanger and air filter. As usual, the air filter removes dust and airborne particles from the air, improving the overall air quality of your home, while the blower sends the now clean air through the ductwork. The evaporator and heat exchanger, meanwhile, pick up any heated or cooled refrigerant to condition your air.
Expansion Valve
According to HVAC professionals, the expansion valve is the component that helps your heat pump function as both a heater and an air conditioner. This is because, depending on whether your heat pump is heating or cooling, it will allow the refrigerant to expand or bypass.
Thermostat
The final component in your heat pump’s anatomy is the thermostat, which controls the operation of the unit’s air handler and compressor. While its operation is straightforward during the summer season, the cold weather climate of the winter may trigger the operation of the electrical heating element inside the air handler, especially when temperatures reach freezing for extended periods of time. With this in mind, be sure to properly set your thermostat to the right temperature every now and then if the season calls for it.
If you’re looking for a reliable air conditioning service to help you maintain your heating and cooling unit, don’t hesitate to turn to Air Comfort. When it comes to residential and commercial heating services, we’re the leading experts to approach, and you can count on us! Give us a call at (409) 833-5665 or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us today!