Heat pumps that work below freezing. A device whose function is to transfer thermal energy in between different spaces is referred to as a Heat pump. This process usually occurs between closed areas and the outdoors.
When we use a heat pump, the heat from the outside of the house will suck and will come inside our house.
If we reverse this function of the heat pump, we can also use it instead of an air conditioner as it will transfer the heat outside, and we will have to cool the temperature as we want.
The old ones rarely work on electricity but on natural gas for heat. But the new ones are mostly built-in electric circuits, as the circuits allow over one function and are much more efficient than the ones with gas.
Heat pumps that work below freezing
They can work at temperatures as low as -25 degrees. Only a handful of people know that the relative energy is the same both in case of above or below the freezing point.
A pump can even work at _10 degrees Fahrenheit as well. This all depends on the type and manufacturer.
Working
The working of heat pumps that work below the freezing is quite simple. They use the natural heat and warm air around them.
They gather the air in them and warm them more, and then we receive the warm air inside our houses. This work is explained down below:
Refrigerant
A refrigerant is used by the heat pump to remove all the warm air outside. Refrigerant is actually a material that absorbs heat.
The refrigerant keeps being circulated till all the warm air has been absorbed by it. It moves from an indoor unit to an outdoor unit.
During hot weather, it works like a standard AC. It absorbs the heat inside and just dispels it outside. The work is done completely opposite in winter as we need warm temperature in the house.
Reverse Valve
A component called reversing valve is present in the heat pumps. You can change the value according to your need. This valve controls the flow of heat.
There is a question that arises in the mind of everyone how can heat be given when there is so cold in the winter outside,
The heat is always present outside, even when there is absolute cold. The refrigerant absorbs it without a problem. The heat is absorbed even at a temperature like -5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coils
The struggles begin when the temperature falls even lower than 40 degrees. The heater should stop, you thought, but no, there is an internal resistance system present in it.
That is referred to as Resistance heating. There are coils that are present in the HVAC system.
These coils start heating when the efficiency of the heater falls below a certain level. You can know about it if there is the option of AUX heat or Emergency heat on your thermostat.
Advantages
They do not require much money for their work. Not a lot of maintenance is required when it comes to the use of heat pumps.
These heated pumps are very safe to use and reliable. The amount of carbon emission becomes low when we use heaters.
We can use them as an air conditioner during winter. They have a good and long life span so they work a lot of time. You can even use it for the RHI scheme and many more.
Disadvantages
The buying cost is really high, and they are not very affordable. The installation of the heater is complicated and very difficult to install.
The sustainability of the heaters can be questioned. A significant amount of work is needed when you need to maintain the heater.
Some heaters do not work properly in cold weather. They may not even work at all. The heater does emit carbon. It is not completely neutral. Planning permission is required, and you have to get them properly if you want to install them.
Conclusion
Everything carries both advantages and disadvantages. You need to decide for yourself after you focus on the pros or the cons.
Related Guides
