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Commercial and residential heat pump systems are wonderful additions to any home or commercial property, assuming they can be installed. They heat and cool a building without relying on fossil fuels, relying on underground air or water to heat and cool the inside of a house or office. The science behind heat pumps is fascinating, and they’re a great option for saving homeowners and commercial property owners/renters money on their monthly energy bills because they also cost much less to operate than other systems.
If you already have a heat pump installed in your home or commercial building, are you aware of the type you have? There are several types of heat pumps: air-to-air, geothermal, and water-source. We’ll explain the differences between the three types and how to determine which type you have installed.
Types of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps come in various types, including air-to-air, water-source, and geothermal. They work differently to heat and cool air, requiring different maintenance and care. Below are the different types of heat pumps:
Air-to-Air Heat Pumps
Want to use the air outside to heat and cool your home without relying on fossil fuels? Air-to-air heat pumps move air between inside and outside to warm or cool a house or commercial building. They use less electricity to heat a building or home, making them a great option for those without central heating.
In the winter, air-to-air heat pumps heat outside air before dispersing it throughout your home. Likewise, in summer, they remove the heat inside your home and release it outside. Unlike other types of HVAC systems, air-to-air heat pumps use electricity to move heat instead of generating it, significantly lowering the operating costs.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Did you know that underground air stays roughly the same temperature year-round? Depending on the location and depth of the geothermal system, it uses ground air ranging from 45°F-75°F. These heat pumps take underground air and turn it into the ideal temperature depending on the season and your thermostat settings. In the winter, geothermal heat pumps extract heat from the ground, while in the summertime, pull warm air from inside the home and transfer it back to the ground.
Geothermal heat pumps require more components than other heat pump systems because they use a loop system of underground pipes to extract and move air from outside and inside the home. They can save you money, but it’s important to note that they can be complex to install and don’t work for every home or commercial building. A professional HVAC company like Cates Heating and Cooling can help determine whether a geothermal heat pump system is a great option for your home or business.
Water Source Heat Pumps
Did you know you can harness a water source to generate heat and cool air inside your home or office? Water-source heat pumps transfer heat between your home and a water source like a pond, well, or lake. In the winter, they extract heat from an outdoor water source and transfer it through a loop system. During summer, water-source heat pumps extract heat from inside a house or commercial building and transfer it to the outdoor water source.
How to Determine Which Heat Pump You Have
Are you familiar with the type of heat pump you have installed in your home or commercial building? It’s a great idea to have this information handy, especially if it’s not functioning properly and you need a heat pump repair service. Here are some ways you can determine which heat pump you have:
- Refer to the manual
- Check the manufacturer’s label for the serial and model numbers and search online to determine the type.
- Check for an outdoor unit; air-to-air heat pumps have outdoor units to draw and expel heat.
- Check for underground piping; geothermal heat pumps have underground pipes to use ground air.
- Check for a water connection. Water-source heat pumps connect to a body of water, like a pond, well, or lake.
If you’re uncomfortable examining your unit, contact a residential or commercial HVAC company like Cates Heating and Cooling to determine the type of heat pump you have. We’re happy to help!
Contact Cates For Heat Pump Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair
At Cates Heating and Cooling, we’ve been installing and repairing residential and commercial HVAC systems, including heat pumps, for over 50 years making us one of the most dependable and trustworthy home HVAC companies in Kansas City! Our team can troubleshoot and repair your heat pump to get it back up and running optimally and efficiently.
If you determine you don’t have a heat pump but a central heating system or other type of furnace or air conditioner, we can help you decide if a heat pump is right for your home or business. If you’re thinking of installing one, keep in mind some things you should know about a heat pump before you install one, like how they require less maintenance.
We’re family-owned and operated with expertly trained technicians who have provided exceptional service to all our customers for over 50 years. We service Kansas City and surrounding cities, including the following:
& more!
Contact Cates with any questions or concerns about your heating and cooling and how we can help!
