How heat pumps cool your home in the summer
A heat pump can both heat and cool your home. Essentially, it’s a two-in-one system that offers a versatile approach to climate control. Let’s delve into the mechanics and considerations:
How a Heat Pump Works
A heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle to transfer heat energy from one place to another. In heating mode, it pulls heat from the external environment (either air or ground source) and pumps it into your home. In cooling mode, the process is simply reversed; it extracts heat from inside the home and expels it outdoors. The key component enabling this dual functionality is a reversing valve that changes the direction of the refrigerant flow.
SEER and HSPF Ratings
When selecting a heat pump, focus on the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings. SEER gauges the cooling efficiency, while HSPF measures heating efficiency. Higher values indicate greater efficiency. A SEER rating of 14-16 and an HSPF between 8-10 are often cited as efficient benchmarks.
| Rating Type | Good Efficiency Benchmark |
|---|---|
| SEER | 14-16 |
| HSPF | 8-10 |