Ducted Heat Pumps: An Introduction
If you're looking for info about the installation of ducted heat pumps, you have come to the right place. This article provides you with an introduction as to how a ducted heat pump works and the process of planning a system. Read on to discover more.
How a ducted heat pump operates
This is typically installed in a house or small business to provide climate control. The heart of a heat pump is the compressor, which is typically installed on the outside of the building. The compressor is connected to a series of pipes which contain refrigerant. The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the pipes and into an evaporator unit. The evaporator unit is typically installed inside the property. Fans within this unit draw in air. As the air passes over the refrigerated pipes, heat transfer occurs, the air cools and the heat is carried outside of the property. Fans within the evaporator unit then push the cooled air through the ducts and out of vents in each room of the property.
Planning the location of ducts
If the property does not already have ducts installed, the contractor will create a map showing where each duct will be and how it will connect to the rest of the system. The ducts are typically installed in the crawl space underneath the floor or in the ceiling or roof space. If you are installing a heat pump system in a building which has more than one level, the contractor will also establish where vertical sections of ducting will be located. It is common for vertical sections to be enclosed within wall spaces near stairs or elevators.
Planning the location of vents
The contractor will also install a series of vents through which the cooled air will be blown. You should think carefully about the location of these vents. It is best to avoid placing vents near doors or windows. If there is a draft from a door or a window, this can result in the cool air bleeding out of the room and into other areas of the house. It is also wise to avoid putting vents in areas of the house where a lot of heat is generated. Heat is generated by everything from the furnace to hot water radiators. The heat from these sources can be carried throughout the property and cause other areas of the home to overheat.
For further advice and information, contact an HVAC contractor today.