December in Nanaimo averages a chilly 2.2 degrees. If you're looking to keep warm this winter, you might be wondering about your heat pump options. These units mount to walls and draw heat from the outside during cold months and push heat outwards during summer months. Ductless heat pumps in Nanaimo are an excellent way to heat and cool your home all year long.
If you're looking to learn everything about a new heat pump, this article has you covered. Keep reading to learn more!
How Do Ductless Heat Pumps Work?
Ductless heat pumps move refrigerant throughout the unit. In the summer, heat is absorbed by the refrigerant and expelled outside.
An expansion valve passes the refrigerant through it, where it's converted to a gas. The expansion value then cools down the refrigerant, and it's moved through evaporator coils.
From there, a fan is used to blow air over these coils, releasing it into the room. While all this is taking place, the refrigerant absorbs any heat, warming up.
The condenser extracts heat from the compressed and pressurized refrigerant before ejecting the heat outside. Once completed, liquid refrigerant moves through the expansion valve again, repeating the process.
However, in the winter, this process is reversed, as your heat pump removes heat from the outside air before releasing it indoors.
Types of Heat Pumps
There are four main types of heat pumps: ductless, wall-mounted, window/through-the-wall, and portable heat pumps. Let's take a look at each.
Ductless Heat Pumps
Ductless heat pumps, or mini-splits, mount to your wall. They're a modern type of air conditioning and come in two separate units; one for inside and one for outside.
The inside unit is the evaporator, and the exterior unit is the condenser and compressor. They're easy to install and boast high energy efficiency.
Wall-Mounted Heat Pumps
Wall-mounted heat pumps are similar to mini-splits, but instead of one exterior unit connecting to an interior unit, one unit powers multiple indoor units. You'd need a larger exterior unit, however, so keep this in mind.
Window Heat Pumps
Window heat pumps (through-the-wall heat pumps) are packaged air conditions that have all the components in one unit. They're smaller than mini-splits but still get the job done.
They only require about 15 minutes to install and generally are available up to 12,500 BTU.
Portable Heat Pumps
Portable heat pumps are compact heat pumps that don't take up much space. You'll find the entire system condensed into one small unit.
You can purchase them in the single or double hose variety. They're portable and can be moved from home to home.
Ductless Heat Pumps in Nanaimo
Now that you know about the different types of ductless heat pumps in Nanaimo, along with an idea of how they work, you can choose the best one for your needs.
Strategic Mechanical can walk you through the process of selecting and installing a heat pump. Our dedicated staff has experience with heating and cooling, plumbing, air quality, drain and duct cleaning, and so much more. Book your appointment today!