Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump can heat and cool air to circulate it around your home. It uses the air from outside the home to both heat and cool air. When you are heating your home, it takes the heat from the air outside (there is heat even in air that feels cold) and transfers it inside. In warm weather, when you are cooling your home, it takes the heat out of the air inside your property and transfers it outside.

There are several types of heat pumps: the commonly used air source heat pump, a mini-split heat pump which doesn’t need ducts to transport warm air, and geothermal which transfers heat between your home and the ground.

Benefits of Using a Heat Pump

  1. The major advantage is that you don’t need 2 systems for air conditioning and heating.
  2. They have great efficiency advantages over other heating systems as they transfer heat, rather than burning fuel to create it. They are also more environmentally friendly than other systems for this reason.
  3. They are usually powered by electricity and so are safer than those powered by gas or fuel oil, which are combustible.
  4. High-efficiency heat pumps can dehumidify more effectively than standard air conditioning systems.
  5. They have a long lifespan
  6. The pump provides uniform heating throughout your home
  7. Electric pumps are quiet and the air compressor is usually placed outside the property, so noise levels are further reduced.

Problems That May Occur

It is important that a heat pump inspection occurs regularly as small problems that arise can lead to further damage. If your compressor becomes damaged, repairs will be expensive.

Take action as soon as you notice your heat pump isn’t working as well as it usually does, particularly if:

  1. your heat pump doesn’t come on
  2. it isn’t heating or cooling properly, or it freezes up
  3. it turns on and off frequently
  4. it makes unusual noises

You can do some troubleshooting yourself before calling out an engineer. If the heat pump doesn’t turn on at all, check whether it’s a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. If the heat or cold air isn’t circulating properly, check and replace the air filter, and make sure the outdoor condensing unit is clean and clear.

When you call us out we will carry out a thorough inspection of the heat pump installation to diagnose the source of the problem

Same Day Emergency Service: Fix it now, pay later (on approved credit)
Our Office Locations:
United Plumbing Heating Air & Electric
1612 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(310) 561-4341
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United Plumbing Heating Air & Electric
2204 Eastridge Ln
Escondido, CA 92026
(760) 206-8128
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United Plumbing Heating Air & Electric
6767 Nancy Ridge Dr
Unit C
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 215-6765
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United Plumbing Heating Air & Electric
212 3rd street
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 205-6837
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