Certified Air Systems, Inc. Blog : Archive for the ‘Heat Pumps’ Category

The Benefits of Installing a Ductless AC System

Monday, April 18th, 2016

There are a great many different options available on the air conditioning market, so many that it can become quite daunting to choose the right one for you. You should consult with a professional before installing any system in your home, of course. However, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the advantages of each system type just to help you make a decision. Let’s take a look at how ductless systems work, and how they can help you. (more…)

Remember to Have Your Heat Pump Checked This Spring

Monday, April 4th, 2016

Spring is coming to an end, and the days are already starting to heat up. If you haven’t already had your heat pump professionally checked, though, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of time to get it in shape before the hottest weather arrives. Now, you may be wondering why you need to have your heat pump checked when you just scheduled preventive maintenance for it six months ago. Read on for the answer. (more…)

Signs That Your Ductless System Needs Repairs

Monday, February 29th, 2016

Ductless systems are just as susceptible to problems as any other climate control system. The more you use it, the more wear and tear you put on it and the more likely it is to develop an issue. Also like other systems, one of the best ways to protect your ductless system from problems is to keep an eye out for warning signs. The sooner you can recognize the signs that your ductless system is in need of repair, the more damage you can prevent. Let’s take a look at some signs that your ductless system needs professional repair services. (more…)

When Should I Replace My Heat Pump?

Monday, February 8th, 2016

Heat pumps can last quite a while, as long as you take proper care of them. No matter how well you take care of your heat pump, though, there will come a time when you have to replace it. You should make sure that you’re familiar with the various signs that your heat pump is nearing the end of its life. Otherwise, you may end up with a dead system in the middle of the coldest months of the year. Let’s take a look at some signs that you should replace your heat pump. (more…)

Why You Should Consider Installing a Ductless Heating System

Monday, January 25th, 2016

If you’re in the market for a new home heating system this winter, you’re probably going to be tempted to just go with the same system type that you had last time. While inertia is a common factor in deciding what heating system you should go with, we would encourage you to consider the advantages of other systems. Ductless heating, for example, has a great many unique advantages to offer. Let’s take a look at ductless heating, and the benefits you could get from it. (more…)

Why There is Ice on Your Heat Pump

Monday, January 18th, 2016

It may seem odd to find ice on the outside of your heat pump, even during winter. Even in a place like Florida, ice buildup on heat pumps is to be expected under certain circumstances. It’s not necessarily a problem, but it can certainly become one if one of the heat pump’s safety processes malfunctions. Let’s take a look at why ice forms on your heat pump, and when to call for repairs. (more…)

If There’s No Heat Generation, How Does a Heat Pump Heat?

Monday, December 21st, 2015

Heat pumps are great systems to use for heating and cooling in the Longwood, FL, area. This is because our climate is perfectly suited for this type of system, particularly the winter months. We don’t experience winter as other areas in the country do, but we do get cold enough during the heart of the winter to warrant a good heating system, and your heat pump is perfectly up to the task. It can be pretty confusing to understand how a heat pump provides your home with warm air when there is no flame generating heat. The key is heat transfer. (more…)

My Heat Pump Isn’t Changing Modes

Monday, November 30th, 2015

We are still enjoying pretty warm weather here in Orlando, but once the sun goes down, our evenings are getting pretty cool. If you have pressed the “heat” button on your heat pump’s thermostat only to find that it isn’t giving you warm air, it is time to give the HVAC pros from Certified Air Systems, Inc., a call. There can be a few reasons why your heat pump won’t switch to heating mode, but it’s very important to allow an expert to find out the issue. (more…)

Have a Heat Pump? Don’t Forget about Bi-Annual Maintenance

Monday, September 28th, 2015

Unlike other parts of the country, the Fall Equinox doesn’t bring the chilly air to Apopka, FL, at least not yet. However, that doesn’t mean your heat pump system doesn’t need some attention, and now is the perfect time to schedule bi-annual maintenance. (more…)

How Is a Heat Pump Different from an Air Conditioner?

Friday, April 3rd, 2015

Heat pumps and air conditioners are, in most important ways, the same type of appliance. They operate on the principle of heat exchange, the shifting of heat from one location to another, and both use the same types of refrigerant to move heat between sets of cabinets. Most of their internal components are identical, and when a heat pump is in cooling mode, there is little outward difference between it and an air conditioner.

Of course, there is an important difference between the two: a heat pump can work as both a heating and cooling system. In this post, we’ll look at a few of the internal differences between the two systems that allow a heat pump to perform two functions.

For more information regarding heat pumps, or to schedule service for the heat pump that keeps your home comfortable around the year, call on Certified Air Systems, Inc. We provide installation, repair, and maintenance for heat pumps in Orlando, FL.

The Heat Pump Difference

The key difference in a heat pump is a component called the reversing valve. This valve is attached to the refrigerant line near where it exits from the compressor, and it is what allows the heat pump to change between heating and cooling mode. When a slider in the valve moves, it reverses the direction that refrigerant travels when it exits the compressor. If the valve moves the refrigerant to the outdoor coils first, the unit is in cooling mode. If it moves the refrigerant to the indoor coils first, the unit is in heating mode.

Another difference is that a heat pump uses less refrigerant when in heating mode. A component called the suction line accumulator, positioned between the compressor and the reversing valve, siphons away the extra refrigerant until it is needed again, and helps prevent this refrigerant from flowing back into the compressor. A crankcase heater on the compressor takes care of evaporating any liquid refrigerant that might enter the compressor from the wrong direction.

Finally, heat pumps need to have two sets of condensate pans and drains, one for the outdoor unit and one for the indoor unit. An air conditioner only requires one set, since evaporation and dripping water moisture only occurs in the indoor unit.

Do you have more questions about heat pumps? Don’t hesitate to give our professionals a call at Certified Air Systems, Inc. We’ve served Central Florida since 1993 with high quality heating, cooling, and indoor air quality, including comprehensive services for heat pumps in Orlando, FL.