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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it a heat pump rather than an air conditioner?
The refrigerant circuit runs both ways.
A reversing valve turns it around.
The same components heat and cool.
In winter it collects heat from outdoor air.
No separate combustion section is needed.
Why choose one over a gas-heat unit?
Where there is no gas supply available.
Where running a main to roof level is impractical.
Where on-site combustion is being reduced.
No flue or gas train is required.
The roof carries one simpler machine.
What is the balance point?
The outdoor temperature where capacity meets demand.
Heating output falls as it gets colder.
Building demand rises at the same time.
The two curves cross at one temperature.
Above it the heat pump works alone.
What happens below the balance point?
Supplementary heat makes up the shortfall.
Electric resistance elements are the usual provision.
They are built into the unit.
They are efficient in no meaningful sense.
Running cost rises sharply while they operate.
Why does the balance point drive operating cost?
It decides how many hours use the backup.
A high balance point in a cold region is expensive.
The costly heat then does much of the work.
A lower balance point keeps the heat pump running.
Local climate data is needed to judge it.
What happens during a defrost cycle?
The circuit reverses briefly to clear the coil.
Frost forms on the outdoor coil in cold damp weather.
Supply air cools while it happens.
Occupants sometimes notice the change.
It is normal operation, not a fault.
Are some units better suited to cold climates?
Yes, and the difference is substantial.
They hold more capacity at low ambient.
The balance point falls accordingly.
Less supplementary heat is called for.
Compare capacity at the local design temperature.