A heat pump is a device that can heat and cool a building by using a system called mechanical-compression cycle refrigeration. Air conditioners and heat pumps function in a like manner. The system has two parts; an outdoor unit much like a central air conditioner, and an indoor unit called an air handler. Heat pumps pull heat out of the air or ground to help heat a home or office, but it can also be used to help cool. A compressor moves refrigerant that takes in and then releases heat as it passes between the outdoor and indoor units.
In the late1940’s, an American inventor by the name of Robert C. Webber built the first heat pump. While experimenting with a freezer, he connected the pipe from a freezer outlet to a hot water heater. Because the freezer was making excess heat, he hooked the heated water to a pipe loop. He then used a small fan to push the warm air into the building. Seeing that his experiment was successful, he built a larger size heat pump in order to heat his entire home.
One benefit of a heat pump is that it moves heat instead of producing heat, which makes the system more efficient in its energy usage. Heat energy is still present, even when the air is cold. When it is cold outside the heat pump takes the heat out of the outside air and carries it inside the building. When it is warm outside, a Heat Pump in Ormond Beach FL does the opposite and acts like an air conditioner by removing heat from the home.
Another advantage of a heat pump system over a normal heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system (HVAC) is that there is no requirement to install two systems, one to cool and one to heat the home or office. This system is very efficient because it transfers heat instead of burning any type of fuel to make heat.
Finally, a heat pump system uses electricity for operation, so it can save on fuel usage. Heat pumps work best in moderate climates. A heat pump may save money if the area climate does not range from the extremely hot to extremely cold. As a year-round solution for comfort, a Heat Pump Ormond Beach FL can help by being a part of a heating and cooling system.
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