What Is Inverter Heat Pump Technology? How Does It Work?
Inverter heat pump technology allows an HVAC system to constantly adjust the amount of heating or cooling it provides. This is different from one-stage systems, like most furnaces and ACs, which only operate at one speed.
This advanced technology enables mini split or ducted heat pump systems to provide more consistent temperature control than traditional HVAC systems.
And, in this article, I’ll explain exactly how this process works. Once you understand how heat pumps operate, it’s easy to understand where a variable speed compressor kicks in.
I’ve spent the least decade following HVAC innovations like these as a product manager for HVAC distributor Peirce Phelps. I have worked with many contractors and installers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Together, they have installed thousands of systems..
Keep reading to learn more, or click below to set up a free consultation with a certified dealer in your area.
What Is Heat Pump Inverter Technology?
Heat pump inverter technology allows a compressor to run at variable speeds. This produces the precise amount of cooling or heating needed to maintain a set temperature.
This is in contrast to traditional one-speed heating and cooling systems. Furnaces and central air conditioners start and stop a few times every hour. They always produce the same amount of heat or cooling.
How Does An Inverter Heat Pump Work?
Heat pumps transfer heat in our out of the house using a refrigerant loop The inverter enhances the process by adjusting the amount of refrigerant traveling between the indoor and outdoor units.
In the winter, the refrigerant attracts and absorbs heat from the air outside. Even when the outdoor temperature is below freezing, there’s still enough heat energy for this to work. In the summer, the system absorbs heat from the indoor air and moves it outside to cool the home.
Inverter Heat Pump Vs. Traditional Single-Stage HVAC
Traditional single-stage HVAC systems have only one setting and operate at full capacity at all times. They wait for the temperature to drift a few degrees higher or lower than your thermostat setting.
When they kick on, they produce enough heat or air conditioning to send the thermoset a few degrees past the setting in the opposite direction.
This process delays the time it takes for the room to get too hot or cold again. But, it results in temperature fluctuations and energy loss: It takes more power to stop and start a machine than to run it consistently.
In contrast, inverter compressors run at variable speeds, to produce more or less heating and cooling as needed. The system runs most of the time in a low-power mode to maintain the temperature instead of always playing catch-up.
This results in more consistent temperatures, increased efficiency, and lower energy bills.
Heat Pump Inverter Vs. Variable Speed Blower
A variable speed blower regulates the airflow in in a forced-air system that uses ductwork. An inverter compressor adjusts heating and cooling by modifying the amount of refrigerant flowing through the system.
Inverter heat pumps are also available in ducted and ductless models, while variable speed blowers are typically used in traditional unit HVAC systems.
Benefits Of A Heat Pump Inverter
Better Comfort
Inverter heat pumps provide consistent temperature and humidity control by eliminating hot and cold spots with precise temperature control,
Better Efficiency
Inverter heat pumps use less energy to maintain the desired temperature. They also use less electricity by not cycling on and off, resulting in lower utility bills.
This makes a heat pump cheaper to run than electric furnaces or other traditional HVAC systems. You can also run heat pumps with solar power for even better savings.
Federal Rebates And Tax Credits
Inverter heat pumps meet the energy efficiency standards set by Energy Star, making them eligible for federal rebates and tax credits. This can offsets installation costs, making them more affordable.
Longer Lifespan
Inverter heat pumps have a longer lifespan than traditional HVAC systems because they don’t experience the same wear and tear from cycling on and off.
Quiet Operation
Inverter heat pumps operate quietly because they don’t turn on and off frequently. The variable speed compressor has overall quieter operation.
Click below if you’re ready to learn more about inverter compressors and whether a mini split is the right choice for your home. Set up a free consultation with a certified dealer with experience in your town in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, or Delaware.
Are you ready to learn more about heat pump inverter? Get a free consultation at Cherry Hill, NJ’s specialists for mini split installations or anywhere in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware or Maryland.
