There are a number of methods for heating the indoors such as radiant heating or forced air systems, but one of the more efficient methods uses technology similar to the air conditioner when heating a building. This is possible because a refrigeration system is simply a heat pump in reverse. Although there is no specific number which may be quoted for exact savings amounts, heat-pump systems are considered one of the best options for many heating tasks. If a simple air-source system isn’t efficient enough, then a product that uses an underground heat sink or other method of collecting heat is available.
It may seem unusual to heat a home with a system designed around refrigeration ideas, but the process makes sense once a little information is acquired. For example, the heat pump functions because it uses a small amount of refrigerant to collect heat. The heat is relative to the system because the compressed gas cools the temperature of the collection system, typically a metal that quickly absorbs temperature variances, lower than the ambient air. This difference in temperatures accumulates in the system where it is transferred and released by another coil; sort of like an AC in reverse. Stand behind the condenser and coil of any air conditioner to have an idea of how much heat could be transferred.
What surprises many people is how quickly a heat pump can warm a building. There is very little difference between this method and a forced heating system except lower energy bills. In fact, heat-pump systems even come in ductless and ducted models so that every home can use them. Ducted models are the recommended choice when replacing a failed HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system or installing a comfort appliance in new construction houses.
No matter which system the homeowner chooses, it is important to invest a little time and money into maintenance, that is, schedule routine cleaning and have an expert check the system for potential failures. If the heat pump is part of a heating and cooling system, it may be necessary to clean the unit twice a year, so this way, when the air flow is reversed, there is no dirt returning to the system.
