Heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home — but they’re also one of the most misunderstood systems I worked on in 45 years in the field. They behave differently than furnaces, they have quirks in cold weather, and most homeowners don’t know what to do when something goes wrong.
In this section you’ll find practical, field-tested articles covering how heat pumps work, how to troubleshoot common problems, when to call a technician, and how to get the most efficiency out of your system year-round. Everything here comes from real experience — not guesswork.
Your home AC reset button is easier to find than most heat pumps or air conditioners. Most often it will be a small button protruding the outside of the unit. But in some cases, it will be inside the unit. It may take some searching. If your AC unit has a reset button, I hope…
What does “split system air conditioner” mean? It means that your system has basically two parts. It’s one system split in two. An indoor unit and an outdoor unit that are connected with copper tubing, also called refrigeration lines. Split system air conditioners or heat pumps come in two basic designs. If your system is…
A little help in deciphering model numbers and understanding what a decibel really means may help when looking for sound ratings in the various models of heat pumps . It’s critical to measure like units. For example, a 14 SEER Trane with a 14 Seer Carrier. I originally wrote this article a few years ago….
Find the weight of your heat pump. Major brands listed by BTUs
If you know the anticipated snow fall level for your area, that is a good height for your heat pump. It never hurts to add a few inches for safe measures. Having one year of unusually high snow fall would be an okay gauge to plan for, just know that the higher the better for…
An electric furnace by itself does not have a heat pump, but an electric furnace with a heat pump you can add value and save money on your electric bill. Adding an air conditioner to an electric furnace will not save you money on your heating bill but it will give you that awesome cooling…
This list comprises the main components of a heat pump, followed by a brief description of how they function. Read on for a more in-depth explanation of each. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. What Part Does A Compressor Play In Heat Pump Operation? Compressors for heat pumps and air conditioners…
Knowing how a heat pump works will enlighten your mind and expand your horizon. Heat pumps have become a fascinating technology that you should consider studying. How A Heat Pump Works Step By Step Most everyone is familiar with a window air conditioner. In the house, cold air is blowing out of the air conditioner….
My customer JT, had a 15 year old heat pump and wanted gas piping for a new gas range and while at that project he wanted me to install a new gas furnace. So here’s some critical points on how to install gas furnace connected to a heat pump. a dual fuel heat pump. JT…