There are plenty of things that seem like they just weren’t named right. Strawberries aren’t really berries and jellyfish aren’t fish. If you’re a homeowner in Scottsdale researching a new air conditioner and you see the term “heat pump,” you might think it’s irrelevant to your search results.
We’re here to let you know that despite the misleading name, heat pumps are essentially air conditioners that also provide heat. Now, you may be thinking that because it’s a system that also provides heat, that it’s not that great at air conditioning. But that simply isn’t true. In fact, heat pumps are a great system for combatting the Arizona heat. Read on to learn about the amazing benefits of these systems.
More on the “Heat Pump” Name
When you know how heat pumps work, the name won’t seem like a misnomer. Heat pumps don’t pump heat; they move heat from one place to another using electricity.
- In the winter, they pull or “pump” heat from the air outside and move it inside your home to provide heating.
- In the summer, they pull or ‘pump” heat from the air inside your home and move it outside to provide cooling.
Ducted Vs Ductless Heat Pumps
Unlike a central AC that relies on ductwork to distribute the cool air, heat pumps are available in ductless systems which are called “mini splits.” This name is apt because the refrigerant lines are “split” throughout the home.
Mini splits consist of a single outdoor unit and multiple air handlers that are mounted on the walls of your home. This gives you the ability to customize your home cooling. Unlike central AC which cools down the entire home, you can save a lot of energy (and money!) by cooling down a single room or zone in your home.
Heat Pumps Provide Stellar Air Conditioning
As we mentioned, a heat pump is essentially an air conditioner. It uses refrigerant and AC technology to operate. You’ll never have to worry about it not being able to cool your home down adequately, even on the hottest days of the year.
The thing that makes a heat pump different from an AC is that it has a component called a reversing valve. This aptly named part allows the heat pump to “reverse” the flow of refrigerant to bring heat into the home in the winter. If you have a separate heating system, by installing a heat pump, you’re getting two systems for the price of one.
Advanced Features Are Available
Just like with air conditioners, heat pumps with inverter technology are available. This gives the heat pump the ability to modulate its temperature. Unlike a traditional central AC that only has “on” and “off” modes, an advanced heat pump that boasts inverter technology can modulate its power level to work at a lower power setting, hence the name “modulating heat pumps.” Hey, at least they got some names right!
Feel free to contact us with any additional questions about whether heat pumps can handle the Arizona heat.
Contact the team at AZ Perfect Comfort for heat pump installation in Scottsdale, AZ and Feel the Comfort You’ve Been Missing.