So, now for the real question, how do heat pumps work? They use a mechanical-compression cycle refrigeration system that can be used to heat or cool a space. In similar fashion to central air systems, heat pumps require an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is called an air handler, and the outdoor unit is called a heat pump. A compressor circulates refrigerant that is able to absorb heat and release it as it travels between the two units.

When it is cold, the heat pump pulls heat energy out of the cold outside air and transfers it to your home. When it is hot, the heat pump removes the heat from your home and puts it outside. Instead of generating heat, they are actually just moving heat around.

There are three different types of heat pumps: air-to-air, geothermal, and water source. Each collects heat from a different source to heat your home when it is cold outside. The most common is the air-to-air heat pump.

These heat pumps work by transferring air between the air inside and outside of your home. Air-to-air heat pumps require less electricity to heat your home than furnaces and baseboard heaters, so they are a good alternative for people without central heating.

In homes without ductwork, there are also ductless versions of heat pumps called mini-split heat pumps.

Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat between your home and the ground. Geothermal heat pumps can be costly to install, but they have lower operating costs by taking advantage of fairly constant ground temperatures.

These pumps can save you big money on your energy bill. In some cases, users have reported a 30-60 percent reduction in energy usage. Geothermal heat pumps can also control the humidity in your home. Since these heat pumps are sturdy and reliable, they also tend to require less care over the course of their lifetimes.

Geothermal heat pumps aren’t for everyone, however. The size, landscape, and subsoil on your lot can either make you an ideal candidate or prevent you from installing one.

Water source pumps work by transferring heat between your home and a nearby water source. These tend to cost more to install than air-to-air systems. Water source heat pumps are better equipped to handle extreme climates than air-to-air pumps as well.

Installing a heat pump can be just as challenging—and even more so at times—as installing an HVAC unit. If you are having problems with your existing heat pump system, Cates Heating and Cooling technicians can come to your home to see what the issue is. As heating and cooling experts, Cates technicians can repair or install your heat pump in no time at all.

Call Cates Heating and Cooling today at 913-888-4470 to get a quote for your heat pump installation or repair.