Air Conditioners Heat Pump

Air Conditoners Heat PumpAir Conditioners Heat Pump – Huh? Wait, a minute… An air conditioners heat pump?  Is that really what you’re looking for? If so, I must apologize because it doesn’t exist.  Air Conditioners Heat Pump is a commonly searched phrase in Google and air conditioner’s well, they don’t have heat pumps nor produce hot air.  An air conditioner can only cool the air around you. Most air conditioners can also remove excess humidity from the surrounding air. However, an air conditioner  isn’t that much different from a heat pump. The difference? A heat pump has what is called a reversing valve and a control board. The board switches the reversing valve from producing cold to hot air and vice versa.

A heat pump on the other hand can not only heat the air around you but it can also cool the surrounding air. Homeowners that are in the market for upgrading to a newer more energy efficient system might want to have a look at a heat pump. It is one of the best choices for your homes heating and air conditioning needs.  A heat pump offers double duty  by providing both heating and air conditioning for your home. As heat pumps work year round to maintain your comfort, they will require routine maintenance. This is so that they are at their best performance, energy efficiency and in order to provide the maximum possible lifespan for the unit. Randy Murphy at Metro Express Service in the greater Fort Worth area, recommends your heat pump to receive professional maintenance every 6 months.

Recommended Air Conditioners Heat Pump

An air conditioners heat pump that we recommend is the Trane XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump. Well, technically it’s a heat pump and not an air conditioners heat pump, so all kidding aside.  The Trane XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump is a phenomenal work of engineering craftsmanship.  It rates up to 20 SEER and has a high efficiency heating seasonal performance factor of 10. It also includes a massive 750 stages of comfort to provide you with the highest efficiency and the maximum comfort. The Trane XV20i runs at lower speeds for longer periods of time resulting in the lowest cost per minute.  Not only does it cost less to run than other heat pumps its fans also runs 4 db quieter. Learn more about the XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump by visiting Trane.

Common problems occurring in heat pumps include the following:

Refrigerant Leaksrefrigerant leak

The compressor circulates the refrigerant in the process of air conditioning. Using a reversing value to alter the direction of the gas flow, creates AC or heat. Refrigerant is never used up as oil in an automobile can be. The refrigerant remains in the system unless a leak occurs. Low refrigerant results in reduced performance, efficiency and can damage the unit. Potential signs of a refrigerant leak include ice on the coil. In some systems, shut down may be triggered by a safety switch to protect the components, and especially the compressor. A refrigerant leak requires an experienced HVAC technician for AC repair and the recharging of the system.

Compressor Failure

Over time the compressor weakens as it experiences wear. Routine maintenance and timely air filter changes help to slow wear down. The signs of a worn compressor nearing failure include unusual noise. When the compressor fails, you will need to decide between replacing the compressor or installing a new system. When the heat pump is still under warranty the manufacturer will make this decision. Otherwise the decision is yours.

The following guidelines can assist you to decide:

  • The age of the heat pump, and the care it has received is the first consideration. If the system is fairly new, but just out of warranty, replacement of the compressor is typically recommended. However, replacement may be the logical choice if the heat pump has received poor or questionable maintenance.  Replacement may also be a logical choice when the unit is nearing ten years or older. Sometimes it may be better off having a new heat pump rather than replacing the compressor. This is due to the existing heat pump’s coils thinning due to aging. A new compressor can result in leaks and failure of the coils.
  • Cost is the next consideration. If the unit is 10 years old or older, and the cost is at least 33% of a new system’s cost, a new installation is generally recommended. A new system provides dependability, increased efficiency and improved comfort. Today’s heat pumps perform better than older models. New technologies have improved performance, efficiency and offer more benefits than in the past.

 Reversing Valve Failure

A reversing valve changes the direction refrigerant flows, enabling the heat pump to provide heating and air conditioning year round. When the valve fails, the system sticks in a single mode, either heating or cooling. Reversing valve replacement requires an experienced technician to provide AC repair.

tripped circuit breakerTripped Circuit Breakers

Tripped circuit breakers are a common cause of a HVAC system failing to start. Circuit breakers will trip under several circumstances such as when the circuit is overloaded or when a short circuit occurs. Power surges can also cause the occasional tripped circuit breaker, but an ongoing problem indicates a more serious issue.

Inefficient Temperature Control

As a system ages it is common for it to struggle to keep up with temperature regulation and humidity control. You may notice the unit runs longer than it used to. This may be driving up your energy bills and reducing your comfort. Replacement of the unit is the best option for homeowners who want to save energy and maintain their comfort.

Heat Pump System Maintenance

By providing both heating and cooling, the heat pump works twice as hard as separate systems. Maintenance will extend the heat pump’s lifespan, and maintain its efficiency. A poorly maintained system can lose significant energy efficiency, perform poorly, and typically experiences a reduced service life.  To ensure receiving the benefits you purchased it for, make sure the heat pump receives professional maintenance every 6 months.

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Randy Murphy

Randy Murphy has been building his knowledge of the air conditioning and heating business for several years now. He first started applying his knowledge while working for his father’s HVAC company. Later, in 1987, Randy started his own business: Metro Express Service. He has been a top 10 Trane & Amana dealer for over eight years. When it comes to heating and cooling, Randy knows the business better than anyone.
Call Us At (817) 516-0700