Your heat pump depends upon refrigerant to do its job. Beginning as a gas, the refrigerant cycles through a series of valves and coils that first convert it into a liquid form (which releases heat into the air outside) then return it to a gaseous form (which absorbs heat from the air inside your home). The cooled air can then be blown into your home via a series of fans. The principle is the same as traditional air conditioners. The only difference is that air conditioners aren’t able to reverse that process to heat your home in the winter. Here in Brevard, B many people have heat pumps in their homes, since it works well in places with mild winters like North Carolina. Understanding how refrigerant and your heat pump work together also helps explain what happens when refrigerant levels drop.
The refrigerant in your heat pump cycles through a closed system, cycling through the valves and coils in a continuous loop. Sometimes, however, leaks can spring up and lead to a loss of refrigerant. In order for the heating or cooling process to work, refrigerant needs to be at a specific set level. (The exact level depends on the precise make and model of heat pump.) When those levels drop, the heat pump canbt work the way it needs to. Its heating and cooling capacity is diminished, meaning that it needs to work harder in order to do its job (costing you additional money in monthly bills). Frost tends to form on the evaporator coils, which acts as insulation between the remaining refrigerant and the air itbs supposed to absorb heat from. The issue is compounded, and will only get worse until refrigerant levels are restored.
Thatbs where trained technicians like the experts at Comfort Central, Inc. come in. We understand the link between refrigerant and your heat pump, and can clear up leaks and other problems before recharging the refrigerant to its proper levels.B Call us today to schedule heat pump service inB Brevard, NC or the surrounding areas.