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How A Heat Pump Works
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How Does A Heat Pump Work? There is always some heat in the outside air, even at the lowest temperatures of a winter day. The Heat Pump absorbs this heat in a gas, and concentrates it by compression, thereby raising its temperature. The hot gas passes through pipes to the inside blower unit, where the heat is used to heat the air circulated throughout your apartment
How economical is a Heat Pump? On an average, over a heating season, the Heat Pump will provide heat at about 40% to 50% less cost than Electric heat. Keep in mind that the lower you keep your thermostat set, the less you will use the more expensive electric heat . It will prove to be more economical if you don't set your thermostat down at night or when you leave for work, since when you turn your thermostat back up the electric heat will come on until the thermostat is satisfied. The most economical way to operate the Heat Pump in your apartment is to set the temperature you want to maintain and forget it. There are certain characteristics common to Heat Pumps that you should be aware of : 1. The air temperature from the registers will not be as warm as from an oil, gas or electric furnace. As the outside temperature drops so will the air temperature from the registers. Until the electric heat comes on at 30 degrees F. Remember, 90 degree F air is below body temperature and may feel cool. However, if you are maintaining your apartment at 68 degrees F., this air is 22 degrees F. higher than the inside temperature and is therefore heating your apartment. As the electric heat cycles on and off, the air temperature from the registers will increase and decrease. 2. It is normal for the outside unit to run continuously at temperatures of 30 degrees F. and below. 3. On cold, damp days it is normal for frost and ice to accumulate on the outside coil. Approximately every hour the unit will go into the defrost cycle. This cycle will begin with a whooshing sound, similar to opening a carbonated beverage can. The outside fan will stop running and the compressor will continue to run. Within a few seconds, the frost and ice will begin to melt and some steam may rise from the unit. This cycle may continue for 2 to 3 minutes but generally not more than 10 minutes, at which the fan will restart and normal operation will resume. 4. As the ice melts from the outside unit, some water may accumulate in the base of the unit. This water is removed through a drain. We hope this information will be helpful and constructive. Should you have any questions, concerns or problems with your unit, please call the rental office at:
Thank You
(This Article can be a useful handout for you and your residents.)
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