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The miracle of the heat pump is that it works as both a heating and cooling system. It’s not really a “miracle,” but based on the simple principle that if you take an air conditioner and find a way to reverse the way it moves heat, it can provide either heating or cooling. An air conditioner uses refrigerant to draw heat from inside the house and releases it outside, cooling down the interior of the house. A heat pump goes a step further: it can change the direction the refrigerant flows so that it draws heat from outside the house and releases it inside, warming up the house.
But … where is that heat from outside coming from?
When people first hear a description of heat pump operation, a question often pops into their minds: “Wait, if I only run the heat pump in heating mode when it’s cold outside, how is the heat pump able to draw heat from outdoors?” It’s a good question, and you definitely deserve an answer if you’re interested in installing a heat pump in your home.
The Secret Is in the Refrigerant
Even in cold weather, outdoor air still contains some thermal energy. The only point where there is no heat in the air is at absolute zero, and that’s a theoretical temperature that’s impossible to meet. (You’d also have much more serious problems in absolute zero temperatures than just an inefficient heat pump.)
The refrigerant used in a heat pump is designed to absorb the available heat energy, even when the air outside is quite cold. The refrigerant has a low boiling point, which means it can evaporate and absorb heat even when temperatures drop below freezing. The heat pump’s outdoor coil extracts whatever heat is available, and then the refrigerant carries it inside, where it’s released to warm your home.
But what about extreme cold?
In moderate climates like we have in Nashville, heat pumps are highly effective because temperatures don’t usually plunge to extreme lows. However, if you do encounter particularly cold weather, modern heat pumps are equipped with auxiliary heating options, such as electric resistance heaters, to ensure your home stays comfortable even during a cold snap.
Why a heat pump is a great fit for Nashville
Because Nashville has a climate with mild winters and warm summers, heat pumps are an excellent choice for year-round comfort. They offer efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer without needing separate systems. We’re one of the ideal climates for heat pumps, and we strongly recommend that you consider one for your next HVAC installation—you can replace your AC and furnace with a single energy-efficient new unit.
If you’re interested in learning more about heat pumps or upgrading your HVAC system, we can help you determine if a heat pump is the right choice for your home. We offer complete heat pump service in Nashville, TN.