Air conditioners and heat pumps have a lot of similarities. They’re based on the same technologies. Most of their components are very similar or even the same. But clearly, a heat pump does have some differences. What does that mean for the heat pump’s needs? Are they different?
Do air conditioners and heat pumps require the same kind of service and maintenance? Do air conditioners and heat pumps encounter the same kinds of problems, and exhibit the same symptoms when there is a problem? Is there a difference between the repairs needed by an air conditioner and those needed by a heat pump? Let’s go over some details.
Refrigerant Absorbs Heat
The miraculous substance that makes both these systems work is refrigerant, a chemical with high thermal conductivity, which means it changes temperature easily. It can absorb heat from one area, and then, as it continues along the pathway of coils to a new area, it can release that heat.
Compressors Keep Refrigerant Moving
In the outdoor unit of either system, there’s a compressor. This costly and critical component pressurizes the refrigerant. Without it, the whole system would come to a halt. The refrigerant would not circulate and no heat would be absorbed or released. It’s critical to keep the compressor in good condition, because having to replace it is so expensive and inconvenient that you’d probably be better off getting a whole new system.
Blower Fans Distribute Air
The indoor unit houses a blower fan, along with the motor which powers it. This fan pushes air into your home’s system of ducts, so it can flow out the vents in the various parts of your home and keep the temperature even and comfortable throughout. Whether the air is cooled by your AC or cooled or heated by your heat pump, this is how it gets where you need it.
All Systems Require Maintenance
Air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, all heating and cooling systems require maintenance. There is one significant difference with heat pumps, though: while an AC or heating system is only used for half the year, and requires once-a-year-maintenance, a heat pump that is doing both jobs and working year-round needs twice-a-year-maintenance.
Heat Pumps Have One Crucial Difference
There is one component that heat pumps require but which air conditioners definitely don’t have. It’s the reversing valve. This is how the heat pump can switch from providing cooling to providing heating at different times of year. That means there is one component which sometimes needs repair that is unique to the heat pump. If your heat pump won’t switch modes, you need heat pump repair in Montgomery County, PA.
Heed the Signs
Aside from the reversing valve issue, signs that a repair is needed are the same or very similar between the two systems. Heed the signs and get repairs as soon as you realize something is wrong!
Signs of a problem include odd noises, unpleasant smells, poor performance, uneven or inconsistent temperature, running in short cycles of just a few minutes, or unexplained increases to your electric bill. Don’t ignore these warnings.
Contact Platinum Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our pros.