How Heat Pumps Work
Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning
A heat pump is a reverse cycle air conditioner, which means the system both heats and cools.
Heat pumps work in much the same way as a refrigerator. Two coils (one inside and one outside) circulate a refrigerant that draws warmth from the outside air and transfers it into your home.
Nothing in the system is actually “heated” – there are no glowing elements and the process is very efficient. The heat-transfer fluid used boils at -40 degrees Celsius, so even on the coldest winter’s day heat is absorbed and transferred indoors.
Summer cooling and dehumidifying
In summer, at the push of a button on the remote control, a valve simply reverses the flow of refrigerant so that the heat gained by the indoor coil is transferred outside, keeping the inside of your home or office refreshingly cool.
In addition to being cooled, the air is also dehumidified when moisture in the air condenses on the cold coil. This condensate is caught in a drip tray and drained away.
An inverter based system continually adjusts its cooling and heating output in accordance with the temperature in the room.
When the desired temperature is reached, inverter technology ensures it is constantly maintained – keeping comfortable at the same time running efficiently.
Heat pumps most commonly consist of an outdoor unit connected by copper piping and wiring to an indoor unit, which is installed in the area requiring heating and cooling.
The outdoor unit, which is usually installed at ground level, but can also be installed at height, houses the compressor which extracts heat from the air.
The indoor unit houses the fan assembly that circulates warm cool air around the area as required. There are many different types of indoor air handlers and configurations.
