Understanding Heat Pumps: Your Comprehensive Guide

Name: Air Professionals Heating & Air Conditioning
Price range: $$$

June 5, 2024

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a versatile component of home heating and cooling systems, installed outside your home. Unlike traditional air conditioners, which only cool, a heat pump can both heat and cool your home. During colder months, it extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it indoors. In warmer months, it reverses the process, removing heat from the indoor air to cool your home. Powered by electricity and utilizing refrigerant to transfer heat, heat pumps offer a year-round comfort solution without burning fossil fuels, making them an environmentally friendly option.

Types of Heat Pumps

Air-Source Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps are the most common type used in residential settings. They transfer heat between indoor and outdoor air and are effective for both heating and cooling.

Ground-Source Heat Pumps (Geothermal)

Ground-source heat pumps, or geothermal heat pumps, transfer heat between your home and the ground. Although more expensive to install, they are typically more efficient and have lower operating costs due to the consistent ground temperature throughout the year.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Heat pumps operate by transferring heat rather than generating it. This process involves moving heat from one location to another using refrigerant as a medium. Here’s a closer look at the key components and functions:

Key Components

Outdoor Unit: Contains a coil and a fan to facilitate heat exchange.
Indoor Unit (Air Handler): Similar to the outdoor unit, it contains a coil and a fan to circulate air throughout the home.
Refrigerant: The substance that absorbs and rejects heat within the system.
Compressor: Pressurizes the refrigerant, allowing it to flow through the system.
Reversing Valve: Changes the direction of refrigerant flow, enabling the system to switch between heating and cooling.
Expansion Valve: Regulates the flow of refrigerant, reducing its pressure and temperature.

Heating and Cooling Modes

Cooling Mode

Evaporation: Liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air, evaporating into gas.
Compression: The gas is compressed, increasing its temperature.
Condensation: The hot gas releases heat outside, condensing back into a liquid.
Expansion: The refrigerant is depressurized and cooled, ready to absorb heat again.

Heating Mode

Evaporation: Refrigerant absorbs heat from outdoor air, even in cold temperatures.
Compression: The refrigerant is compressed and heated.
Condensation: The hot refrigerant releases heat inside the home.
Expansion: The refrigerant cools and is ready to absorb more heat.

Best Climates for Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are ideal for milder climates but can be used in colder regions when paired with a furnace in a dual fuel system. This setup allows the heat pump to handle moderate temperatures, with the furnace kicking in during extreme cold.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance. Professional HVAC technicians should handle the installation, ensuring correct sizing, electrical connections, and ductwork. Regular maintenance, including filter changes and system inspections, can extend the lifespan of your heat pump and maintain its efficiency.

Common FAQs

Do Heat Pumps Use a Lot of Electricity?

Heat pump electricity usage varies based on unit size, efficiency, and climate. They typically consume between 6,176 and 10,244 kWh annually.

Is a Heat Pump Expensive to Run?

Operational costs depend on local energy prices, system efficiency, and climate. In moderate climates, heat pumps are cost-effective compared to fuel-burning systems. However, in colder regions, they may require more energy.

What is the Downside to a Heat Pump?

The main drawback is reduced efficiency in extremely cold temperatures (below zero), potentially necessitating supplemental heating.

Conclusion

Heat pumps are a versatile, energy-efficient option for year-round home comfort. Understanding their operation and benefits can help you make informed decisions about your home heating and cooling needs. For expert advice on heat pump installation, repair, and maintenance, contact Air Professionals Heating and Air Conditioning.

Additional Resources

For more information on ductless heat pump solutions and to determine the best system for your home, give us a call.

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Cooling

Heating

Indoor Quality

11 State Route 31 Flemington, NJ 08822

908-284-2422

Elliot Stetson

Greg was the technician who did the Air Conditioner maintenance and went above and beyond the basics. He did an excellent job, meticulous and careful. Air Professionals put my existing unit in and have been excellent in their follow up service. No one regret.

Andy

Air Professionals diagnosed our air conditioning problem as low Freon and promptly added Freon to our system and the air conditioning problem was fixed.

Joe

Was very happy with Air Professionals. The tech arrived at the promised time and gave our system a thorough going over. I was also pleased that he took the time to answer questions we had about operating the system. The instructions from the manufacturer left a lot to be desired. We weren't using the system to it's max potential but he put us right. We were impressed.

Gabriela Gomes

Love the service and the person that came to do the service was super nice and knowledgeable.

Lance E

Excellent. Punctual and professional. Definitely will call again!

Robert Valane

Greg LeRose and Sean Ruffing did a great job trouble shooting our furnace. They accomodated our schedule, and both worked on it professionally to a satisfactory conclusion.

John R. Zullo

Really know their products and offer options for consumer ( best, better, top of the line, and why).

Steve C

Our attic furnace and A/C began to fail during the July heat wave. The replacement was prompt, smooth, and professionally handled from the estimate to completion. I highly recommend this very customer oriented company. One of the best service experiences I’ve had!

Richard MCQuade

Fantastic service and very professional! Left me with a cool house!

Deborah Labbadia

I had a frozen unit and they came quickly and gave me the correct diagnosis. We were investigating a heat pump and Sean was awesome! He gave us such good information and explained the process. He spent a good hour looking at the system and writing a very detailed quote. Thank you so much guys! We will definitely be back!

Ron Reed

Very good customer service. Phone calls always answered andrepairman showed up on time and was very helpful. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. Professionally done. Very satisfied.

Christopher Trend

Just had A/C repaired by Antonio C. Who did an excellent job, worked quickly and efficiently, was very knowledgeable and professional, and got the system working. He took time to explain everything clearly and inspected the whole system and made very reasonable recommendations, without pushing any unnecessary sales or service. Highly recommend him!

K Fields

Extremely timely and professional. Explained everything he was doing and the associated cost. Couldn’t be happier with the service.

John Kalinowski

Greg came out after regular hours Friday to diagnose and then repair our AC compressor. Luckily it was a simple repair and the part was on the truck. He has a pleasant demeanor and worked efficiently and quickly to get us up and running again. We always have a good experience with Air Profesionals and have been a customer of theirs for years. Highly recommend.

Lauren Wright

Greg was very helpful with his service ! He took the time to explain things to me as well. I appreciate the prompt service that I received. Given the heat wave that we are experiencing I am most appreciative !

valerie mendelson

Pricey but worth it , Greg is a very professional guy and knows his job

wayne rooks

Richard Henry

Air Professionals installed my central AC system 13 years ago and they do my annual maintenance. They return phone calls, they are prompt, they are experts and very professional.... in short, they do a great job and I would highly recommend them for any AC/heating/HVAC needs!

Antonius Bittmann

Great service at a reasonable price.

Jack Sharp

Sean Ruffing arranged for an expedited replacement of our failed A/C unit during last week's heat wave. Chris and Alex performed the installation quickly and professionally.

Paul Lorefice

Mechanic was very professional and courteous. Repair was made quickly.Office was very courteous too.

Shankar Iyer

My AC was not cooling well. Prompt and efficient scheduling process and the technician was very professional and very knowledgeable. Overall great experience!!!

Seamus Dolan

Ryan was undoubtedly the best tech I’ve had at any property. He was incredibly thorough, explained everything in detail, and answered some questions I had about upgrading my system in the future.

Lorraine Capobianco

Ed Saultz

We are very, very pleased we chose Air Professionals to install our central air conditioning. The representative, Sean, that came out was professional and explained thoroughly the equipment and the installation process. He also kept us informed every step of the way. Our system was installed in a very timely manner by a very professional and courteous crew. They cleaned up extremely well. The price was very competitive as well. All in all an excellent experience and we highly recommend Air Professionals!

Kamal Singh

Being a first time home owner can be stressful, and finding a trusted professional to service my HVAC was tedious. I came across Air Professionals through a referral, I’m glad to say that all of my needs were handled within one phone call. They sent out 2 very skilled technicians within 24 hours to complete the maintenance service. I am quite impressed at how quickly the service was completed. I’ll always have Air Professionals on speed dial!

Natalie Sims

Everyone I met or spoke to went out of their way to be helpful as well as extremly courteous and a pleasure to deal with. I am very happy with my Carrier mini split air conditioner.

Fern DiMeglio

My first experience with Air Professionals began with Nick, whom scheduled the service visit and numerous calls. Eric was the first service person to diagnose the problem. Corinne then emailed me with updates. Greg was here today to install the new parts. The entire experience; from start to finish, was a pleasant experience with competence all of the time. Thanks so much

Jack N

Outstanding excellent annual service from Greg. Patiently answered all my questions and explained all he did

Finola Lynch

Very pleased with the care that was taken in A/C maintenance...thank you Air Professionals.

Sue Chirichello

Came right away even though I was a new customer during a heat wave . Service was excellent and professional.

Ron Tonge

I am in complete agreement with the other people who have posted 5 star reviews of Air Professionals. I could not be more pleased with the support and service from this company. Going into a seasonal service call, I knew that one of the compressors was not cooling properly. The seasonal service call tech confirmed that there was an issue. Air Professionals proactively reached out to me schedule a more detailed review by a senior tech. That tech confirmed my thoughts that while it might have been possible to get the 16 year old system to limp along another year, it would not be advisable for many reasons. I contacted Tiffany in the office and ask her to schedule a call with a sales project manager to discuss a new AC system. Knowing that we had upcoming house guests, she was able to schedule that call for the same day, a Friday. Sean professionally explained my options and, once I decided, he was able to get an installation scheduled for the following Monday.In an age where we all see less than stellar customer service, it is rare to see a business like Air Professionals where great customer service seems to permeate the entire business. Every single person with whom we interacted was friendly and professional in dealing with us. The responsiveness was tremendous. The explanations as to what was needed (including requesting that I trim back a couple of bushes to improve access) was thorough and complete. The workmanship was first class. The follow-up was outstanding. We highly recommend Air Professionals.

B K

Dan Ton

Davis came and serviced my two Carrier HVAC units today. He was here when he said he would be, serviced both units, and went over the results with me. In my opinion, he did a great job. He found a part that was operating, but not operating correctly. He ordered a new part, under warrantee, it will be installed next week. He was here for about 2 hours checking the units out. Nice, polite, professional guy. He is a credit to Air Professionals.10/18/2019 Drew came and serviced my two Carrier units, and as usual, he was as courteous and professional as they come. The units checked out ok, he did fix and issue I was having and all is well. Air Professionals are what the name implies. Professional. Thanks for a great job, again.10/16/2020 Kemp serviced my units and did an excellent job as usual.Our units check out ok and I believe that is because I have them looked at twice a year by Air Professionals. I've never had an issue with them or their technicians.6/17/2024 Nick did the maintenance on our two systems. Did a excellent job. Very nice and pleasant professional. Was here on time, did his job and an hour later he was done.

Terry Nusser

Use Air Professionals for heating and a/c. Very good service and knowledge of my equipment. This time the tech determined my humidifier had been turned off and not working. Good find.

Gerald Griffin

Was in need of immediate assistance with my AC. The technician (Antonio) arrived early and got to work with determining the problem. Sadly the unit (28 years old) was not worth repairing as the compressor was shot. An sales engineer was called and arrived within minutes of request. He did an evaluation of my needs and priced out a new unit within an hour. A new system will be installed shortly.Please note that this all occurred on one of the hottest days of the year. The prompt, professional service was a breath of fresh air as compared to the runarounds I received from any of their competitors.If you are looking for old school service and quick response times to your needs, call Air Professionals.Update; August 9, 2023Had a nasty odor (fishy) coming from the vents of my newly installed AC/Heat Pump unit. Called with my concerns and a tech visit was immediately scheduled. Helmi Feizi arrived to investigate the incident. The problem originally occurred when we shut the unit down so windows could be opened on a cool day. When the unit was turned back on, the smell happened. I thought it might be a condensation line clog. Helmi spent quite some time checking everything out and we couldn’t repeat the problem. Nothing was discovered that may have been the cause. But Air Professionals took my concern seriously and had a service ticket on their schedule promptly.I wonder just how many cumulative years exist if all of the years of service were added up of the people in the field. These people really know their stuff. Like I said before. It’s the people that make a company great. Air Professionals is great.Jerry Griffin

Philip Valese

Hilmi is professional and knowledgeable. He provides clear explanations of the work performed in addition to any testing or troubleshooting.

Bobbie Schneider

Anthony came within the stated timeframe, was professional, reviewed what he had done and what I should plan for the fall. Asked if I had any questions before he left. "A" plus for the entire service call.

Rusty Johnson

Greg L of Air Professionals diagnosed the problem with my AC unit and repaired on the spot. Very professional. I will use Air Professionals in the future to maintain my Heating and Cooling system.

Teri Malone

Collin was very thorough! And I barely knew he was here!

Robert Natuk

Technicians are knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable. They keep you informed as to when they will arrive, and let you know of issues they may find. We have used Air Professionals for almost 2 decades and are very pleased with their service.

Herb Bohler

Greg was on time, thorough, and professional (as all technicians have been). From the friendly voice on the phone to excellent service, AirPro will always get my heating and cooling business.

singinjohnny

Greg, our service representative is always considerate and great to work with. He did a fine job, as he always does, in maintaining our ductless HVAC system.

Pamela Spain

I cannot say enough good things about this company. My AC broke this past Friday ~ Memorial Day Weekend! AIR sent Helmi within a few hours to look at the system to see if it could be fixed. It could not (it was over 20 years old) and within a few hours Sean came to discuss our options and designed a system that would be best for us. He was here for 3 hours going over all the details. He could not have been nicer and was patient and explained all. We got the paperwork done that night and as of this morning we are good to go to have the AC replaced in our home. As everyone knows, having your AC break at the start of the summer is not fun ~ but Sean was awesome and made the experience as good as it could be! I highly recommend Sean and this company!!

Scott x

The most amazing people -Tiffany & Seanwent way out of their way to spend time to make me smarter - with nothing in it for themjust to do the right thingTrust them above all else

sunday bradlee

Hilmi is polite, professional and knowledgable. I have found this company always provides excellent service.

Mark Keller

Nicholas was just AWESOME !!!! Very knowledgeable and answered every question I had (and I had a LOT). Great experience with Air Professionals and will always be using them for my HVAC needs.

Jason Ganovsky

So grateful for Sean and the crew at Air Professionals! It's invaluable these days to find a source of honest, impartial advice. If you have a chance to work with them, take it!

Elliot Stetson

Andy

Air Professionals diagnosed our air conditioning problem as low Freon and promptly added Freon to our system and the air conditioning problem was fixed.

Joe

Gabriela Gomes

Love the service and the person that came to do the service was super nice and knowledgeable.

Lance E

Excellent. Punctual and professional. Definitely will call again!

Robert Valane

Greg LeRose and Sean Ruffing did a great job trouble shooting our furnace. They accomodated our schedule, and both worked on it professionally to a satisfactory conclusion.

John R. Zullo

Really know their products and offer options for consumer ( best, better, top of the line, and why).

Steve C

Richard MCQuade

Fantastic service and very professional! Left me with a cool house!

Deborah Labbadia

Ron Reed

Very good customer service. Phone calls always answered andrepairman showed up on time and was very helpful. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. Professionally done. Very satisfied.

Christopher Trend

K Fields

Extremely timely and professional. Explained everything he was doing and the associated cost. Couldn’t be happier with the service.

John Kalinowski

Lauren Wright

valerie mendelson

Pricey but worth it , Greg is a very professional guy and knows his job

wayne rooks

Richard Henry

Antonius Bittmann

Great service at a reasonable price.

Jack Sharp

Sean Ruffing arranged for an expedited replacement of our failed A/C unit during last week's heat wave. Chris and Alex performed the installation quickly and professionally.

Paul Lorefice

Mechanic was very professional and courteous. Repair was made quickly.Office was very courteous too.

Shankar Iyer

My AC was not cooling well. Prompt and efficient scheduling process and the technician was very professional and very knowledgeable. Overall great experience!!!

Seamus Dolan

Ryan was undoubtedly the best tech I’ve had at any property. He was incredibly thorough, explained everything in detail, and answered some questions I had about upgrading my system in the future.

Everyone I met or spoke to went out of their way to be helpful as well as extremly courteous and a pleasure to deal with. I am very happy with my Carrier mini split air conditioner.

Fern DiMeglio

Jack N

Outstanding excellent annual service from Greg. Patiently answered all my questions and explained all he did

Finola Lynch

Very pleased with the care that was taken in A/C maintenance...thank you Air Professionals.

Sue Chirichello

Came right away even though I was a new customer during a heat wave . Service was excellent and professional.

Use Air Professionals for heating and a/c. Very good service and knowledge of my equipment. This time the tech determined my humidifier had been turned off and not working. Good find.

Gerald Griffin

Philip Valese

Hilmi is professional and knowledgeable. He provides clear explanations of the work performed in addition to any testing or troubleshooting.

Bobbie Schneider

Rusty Johnson

Greg L of Air Professionals diagnosed the problem with my AC unit and repaired on the spot. Very professional. I will use Air Professionals in the future to maintain my Heating and Cooling system.

Teri Malone

Collin was very thorough! And I barely knew he was here!

Robert Natuk

Herb Bohler

Greg was on time, thorough, and professional (as all technicians have been). From the friendly voice on the phone to excellent service, AirPro will always get my heating and cooling business.

singinjohnny

Greg, our service representative is always considerate and great to work with. He did a fine job, as he always does, in maintaining our ductless HVAC system.

Pamela Spain

Scott x

The most amazing people -Tiffany & Seanwent way out of their way to spend time to make me smarter - with nothing in it for themjust to do the right thingTrust them above all else

sunday bradlee

Hilmi is polite, professional and knowledgable. I have found this company always provides excellent service.

Mark Keller

Nicholas was just AWESOME !!!! Very knowledgeable and answered every question I had (and I had a LOT). Great experience with Air Professionals and will always be using them for my HVAC needs.

Jason Ganovsky

So grateful for Sean and the crew at Air Professionals! It's invaluable these days to find a source of honest, impartial advice. If you have a chance to work with them, take it!