Why Does My Heat Pump Need Refrigerant?

Heat pumps are highly versatile devices that heat and cool your home evenly. Many homeowners opt for a heat pump as an energy-efficient alternative to a standard furnace or air conditioner. However, to do its job correctly, your heat pump requires the right amount of refrigerant. Refrigerant enables the pump to heat your home properly during the winter and cool it during the summer. Here’s how refrigerant helps your heat pump work effectively:

PROMOTES EFFICIENT HEATING AND COOLING

The level of refrigerant in your heat pump determines how well it functions. When the seasons change and your pump needs to shift from heating to cooling, it reverses the flow of the refrigerant inside it. If you notice a reduction in your device’s heating or cooling output, this is often a sign that your refrigerant levels are running low.

ENSURES NORMAL OPERATION

Your heat pump simply cannot function at its full capacity without enough refrigerant. When the pump is working normally, no refrigerant escapes from the device. As the refrigerant transitions between liquid and gas states, it should instead stay at the same level. If you come across a leak around your heat pump, this is an indication that your refrigerant levels have begun to drop.

FACILITATES HEAT EXCHANGE

The heat exchange process is vital to the efficiency of your heat pump. Under normal circumstances, refrigerant allows the heat in your device to move from one set of coils to another. This process, which is referred to as heat exchange, is why your heat pump warms your house in cold weather and cools it during hot weather. If you find that your home feels hot in the summer and cold in the winter, you likely have low levels of refrigerant to blame.

KEEPS YOUR HEAT PUMP IN OPTIMAL CONDITION

Your heat pump relies on refrigerant to fulfill its purpose every single day. Whether you’re looking to shield yourself from the cold weather or find relief from the blazing heat, it’s crucial to ensure that your pump is supplied with plenty of refrigerant. Taking this simple step enables your device to work at its best and keeps problems at bay in the long run.

For more information about comprehensive residential heat pump services, including installation and repair, contact us today!