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A heat pump is an appliance that extracts heat from one environment and discharges it into
another. Most heat pumps are powered by an electric motor, but can be powered by a fuel
burning motor, as some camper refrigerators are. In heating mode, a heat pump will collect
heat from the outdoor unit (condenser), and discharge it inside through the air handler.
With the help of a reversing valve, the flow of refrigerant moves in the opposite direction
and heat is extracted from the air handler and discharged outside, creating air conditioning.
In some tropical areas, domestic hot water is generated in air conditioning mode by cooling
the condenser with water, the heated water is stored until needed. It’s basic components are: the air handler; comprised of a cabinet, blower, evaporator
coil, and controls, The condenser or outdoor unit, and piping to create a closed loop of
refrigerant between the two. In some areas the heating demand can be two or three times the cooling demand. Because
a heat pump’s efficiency drops as the outside temperature goes down, electric heating
elements will be installed as a backup to assist the heat pump when needed.
Accessories include: an air filter, electronic air cleaner, or high performance media
filter, and a humidifier. A condensate pump might be used to remove the water produced be
the dehumidifying action of the air conditioning.  A zone control panel and motor actuated dampers will be attached to the unit or in the
ductwork if the system is zoned. Routine maintenance includes replacing the air filter or cleaning the electronic grids,
and cleaning the humidifier. Heat pump humidifiers can be of the steam generating type,
which will be line voltage powered, so caution must be taken to shut off the power supply
before servicing. Click here for Troubleshooting Tips |
