Heat Pumps Key Terms

Understand heat pump types and key terms

By Sherry Grant

A heat pump is a device that acts as an electric furnace in the wintertime and an air conditioner in the summertime. One unit is used for both heating and cooling purposes. In the winter, heat pumps work by withdrawing warm air from the outdoors and bringing it indoors. During the summer, heat pumps remove the hot air from your business or home. There are varieties of heat pump types, such as your standard air supply heat pump or "split system" pump. A geothermal heat pump is more expensive but also more energy efficient. Industrial heat pumps are used by large businesses such as hotels, spas and restaurants. The hybrid heat system combines a furnace and heat pump and is extremely economical.

Ductless heat pumps

Ductless or mini-split heat pumps are pumps that do not require duct work for central air conditioning. Mini-split heat pumps can also be used to provide heat but are mainly installed for cooling purposes only. This is a beneficial solution for rooms that do not have air ducts. Ductless heat pumps are more energy efficient, easier to install and a great solution for room additions in a home or business.
Try: ToolBase Services provides a detailed summary of ductless heat pumps. The installation and benefits of mini-split heat pumps are all covered.

Geothermal heat pumps

Geothermal heat pumps or water-source heat pumps are similar to standard heat pumps. They use heat from the earth to provide air conditioning, heating and hot water instead of using heat derived from outdoor air. In the winter, geothermal heat pumps move the heat from the earth into your house. During the summer months, they pull the heat from your home and send it into the ground.
Try: Geothermal heat pumps earn the Energy Star from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. The EPA and DOE gives a description of how geothermal heat pumps work. The website also describes the benefits of a geothermal heat pump system. WaterFurnace distributes geothermal heat pumps and provides a knowledge center in connection with water-source heat pumps.

Air-source heat pumps

Electric air-source heat pumps use the outdoor air as the source of heat to cool and warm your home or office. An air-source heat pump is also called a "split system" due to the fact that the condensing unit is placed outside the house, and the evaporator coil remains inside. Air-source systems also make a packaged unit, which combines the condensing unit and evaporator coil into one unit outside of the home.
Try: The U.S. Department of Energy presents a lengthy description of air-source heat pumps. The DOE also describes how air-source heat pumps work, performance issues, technological advances and how to select the right air-source heat pump for your home or business. Danfoss Heat Pumps has a very informative website that provides an orientation to air-source heat pumps with advice regarding installation.

Industrial Heat Pumps

Industrial heat pumps deliver heat at a higher temperature for use in industrial process heating, preheating, and space heating. They use waste process heat as the source and improve the energy efficiency of industrial applications.
Try: Western Area Power Administration spotlights industrial heat pumps and how they work. You will find information regarding closed-cycle industrial heat pumps, temperature issues and avoidance of corrosion. See Colmac Coil Manufacturing for more information.

HVAC

HVAC is an abbreviation that symbolizes the words heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC is a commonly used acronym in the heating and cooling industry.
Try: The California Energy Commission has an all-inclusive description of what HVAC means as well as information concerning HVAC systems and how they operate.

Hybrid heat

A hybrid heat system is an alternate heating and cooling system that conjoins a heat pump with a furnace instead of an air conditioner. Hybrid heating systems switch between the furnace and the heat pump as the temperature changes, giving the owner a very economical and fuel-efficient heating unit. A hybrid heat system can also provide cooling in the warmer months.
Try: Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems provides a guide on hybrid heating systems, heating and cooling and indoor air quality.