What Parts Make Heat Pump Different From AC?

The majority of cooling and heating systems are made up of two pieces of equipment: an interior air handler and an outside unit. These systems have a refrigeration cycle in both the outdoor and indoor units. The cycle collects and releases heat from and to the interior unit.  Unlike an air conditioner, a heat pump may reverse the refrigeration cycle and deliver heat instead of cooling. A reversing valve connects an indoor and outdoor unit, letting warm airflow into your house or company. The device is also forced back into “cooling” mode during defrosting to prevent it from freezing over in colder temperatures. However, due to a few crucial internal characteristics, it is conceivable for a heat pump to alter the direction of heat exchange. Three significant differences between heat pumps and air conditioners are listed below. 

The reversing valve

The main difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner lies in this component. In general, reversing valves are mounted on the refrigerant lines on their way out of the compressor. Depending on where they are positioned, they usually send the refrigerant either to the outdoor or indoor coils. The reversing valve allows the heat pump to bring heat indoors rather than remove it outdoors. When the refrigerant is directed first to the outdoor coil, heat pumps work as cooling devices. Since the heat will first be released indoors if it goes to the indoor coil, it will work in heating mode. 

 The suction line accumulator

A heat pump uses less refrigerant when operating in the heating mode. A suction-line accumulator prevents the refrigerant from reentering the compressor when the heat pump switches from cooling to heating.

 The crank-case heater

The refrigerant flowing back into the compressor is prevented when using this device. By vaporizing any liquid refrigerant present in the compressor, the heater prevents it from being damaged. Condensate moisture forms along with the coil as the coil absorbs heat from the outdoor air, and in below-freezing temperatures, this moisture will turn to ice and prevent further heat absorption.  By melting away the ice periodically, the unit gets rid of the ice. Heat pumps briefly reverse refrigerant flow to defrost outdoor coils. The melting ice may produce some vapors, so if you see smoke, call a heating repair professional in San Fernando, CA, immediately.

Second expansion valve

An expansion valve is used on standard air conditioners to lower the pressure of the refrigerant as it leaves the outdoor coil.  Refrigerant pressure drops as it passes through the indoor coil, causing it to become even colder. To prevent refrigerant from flowing in both directions during the heating cycle, heat pumps need a second expansion valve. Whether you need heating repair or a Heating Replacement in San Fernando, CA, the staff at Santana Inc is eager to assist you. We provide repairs, maintenance, and new installation. Our team has years of experience keeping homes comfortable throughout every season.  Please feel free to contact us at (747) 241-7753 or send us an email at service@santanaairinc.com if you have any questions or concerns.