YOUR LOCAL ROTORUA ELECTRICAL & AIR CONDITIONING/HEAT PUMP & EV SPECIALISTS
Air Conditioning/Heat Pump Systems
Residential - Rural - Commercial
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps from Action Electrical Solutions, your Rotorua Specialist. Whether you are striving for a more energy-efficient home, seeking optimal indoor comfort year round, or simply exploring sustainable heating and cooling options, you've come to the right place. This web page is designed to demystify the world of air conditioning and heat pumps, offering you valuable insights, expert advice, and practical tips. From choosing the right system for your space to maximizing efficiency and exploring eco-friendly alternatives, our guide covers it.
In New Zealand the terms air conditioning and heat pumps are used to describe systems that control the indoor climate to meet the requirements of the inhabitants. They are frequently used as if they are one in the same, but they are not. Air conditioners cool and can purifiy the indoor air whereas heat pumps can both cool and heat the indoor climate as well as purify it.
Both systems use the refrigerant cycle to transfer heat and offer benefits such as improved indoor air quality, precise temperature control and customisable settings.
HOW DOES A HEAT PUMP COOL AND HEAT?
.jpg "How an air-source Heat Pump system works")
In the photos above:
Photo 1 - Indoor Wall Air Handler Unit of Heat Pump System controlled by remote and/or phone app
Photo 2 - Typical Air-Sourced Heat Pump Indoor system shown on left Outdoor system shown on right
Photo 3 - Outdoor Heat Pump Unit where the compressor (heart of the Heat Pump System) is located
Photo 4 - Ducted Heat Pump System
Heat pumps do not create heat. They redistribute heat from the air and use a refrigerant that circulates between the indoor fan coil (air handler) unit and the outdoor compressor to transfer the heat.
In cooling mode, a heat pump absorbs heat inside your home and releases it outdoors. In heating mode, the heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air (even cold air) and releases it indoors.
HOW A HEAT PUMP WORKS - COOLING MODE
One of the most important things to understand about heat pump operation and the process of transferring heat is that heat energy naturally wants to move to areas with lower temperatures and less pressure. Heat pumps rely on this physical property, putting heat in contact with cooler, lower pressure environments so that the heat can naturally transfer. This is how a heat pump works and is detailede in the steps below:
STEP 1
Liquid refrigerant is pumped through an expansion device at the indoor coil, which is functioning as the evaporator. Air from inside the house is blown across the coils, where heat energy is absorbed by the refrigerant. The resulting cool air is blown throughout the internal space of the home through the internal unit seen above in photo 1 or through the ducts in a ducted heat pump system. The process of absorbing the heat energy has caused the liquid refrigerant to heat up and evaporate into gas form.
STEP 2
The gaseous refrigerant now passes through a compressor, which pressurizes the gas. The process of pressurizing the gas causes it to heat up (a physical property of compressed gases). The hot, pressurized refrigerant moves through the system to the coil in the outdoor unit. See photo 3 above for an example of the outdoor unit.
STEP 3
A fan in the outdoor unit moves outside air across the coils, which are serving as condenser coils in cooling mode. Because the air outside the home is cooler than the hot compressed gas refrigerant in the coil, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the outside air. During this process, the refrigerant condenses back to a liquid state as it cools. The warm liquid refrigerant is pumped through the system to the expansion valve at the indoor unit.
STEP 4
The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the warm liquid refrigerant, which cools it significantly. At this point, the refrigerant is in a cool, liquid state and ready to be pumped back to the evaporator coil in the indoor unit to begin the cycle again.
HOW A HEAT PUMP WORKS - HEATING MODE
A Heat pump in heating mode operates just like cooling mode, except that the flow of refrigerant is reversed by the aptly named reversing valve. The flow reversal means that the heating source becomes the outside air (even when outdoor temperatures are low) and the heat energy is released inside the home. The outside coil now has the function of an evaporator, and the indoor coil now has the role of the condenser.
The physics of the process are the same. Heat energy is absorbed in the outdoor unit by cool liquid refrigerant, turning it into cold gas. Pressure is then applied to the cold gas, turning it to hot gas. The hot gas is cooled in the indoor unit by passing air, heating the air and condensing the the gas to warm liquid. The warm liquid is relieved of pressure as it enters the outdoor unit, turning it to cool liquid and renewing the cycle.
TYPES OF HEAT PUMPS
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DUCTED HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
.jpg "Non Ducted Split System Heat Pump")
NON-DUCTED SPLIT SYSTEM HEAT PUMP
In New Zealand for residential, rural and commercial applications we typically use air-sourced heat pumps. This means that they absorb and release heat from the air (rather than from the ground, water or geothermal). The two most common types that are used are:
DUCTED AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPSThere’s an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, both of which have fins and coils to release or collect heat, connected by a refrigerant line filled with fluid that transports heat between the two units. The outdoor unit also has a compressor, which compresses and circulates the refrigerant. The indoor unit hooks up to ducts inside the building, normally in the ceiling space, and a blower circulates the warm or cool air through those ducts and out of air vents placed around your house. A return indoor air vent returns air back to the air handler in the ceiling for recirculation. In the picture above the components of the Ducted heat pump system can be readily seen - the outdoor unit with the compressor connected to the indoor unit via the refrigerant line in yellow- the indoor air distribution unit that distributes the air through the supply ducts to the rooms in blue as well as recirculation of air through the duct shown to the right of the air distribution unit - and finally the thermostat and electronic controllers in white on the walls that are connected via the dotted blue line to the air distribution unit.
Superior Comfort with Ducted Heat Pump Systems
These ducted heat pump systems are the epitome of seamless climate control for your home or business. Designed for unparalleled comfort and energy efficiency, ducted heat pump systems discreetly integrate into your space, offering precise temperature regulation in every room. Through a network of concealed ducts, these systems distribute conditioned air silently and evenly, ensuring consistent warmth in winter and refreshing coolness in summer. With customizable zoning options, you have the flexibility to create personalized climate zones, optimizing energy usage and catering to individual preferences. Our state-of-the-art ducted heat pumps not only provide superior climate control but also enhance indoor air quality by filtering out impurities, making your environment not only comfortable but also healthier. Experience the epitome of climate control technology — contact us today to transform your space into a haven of comfort and efficiency with our expertly installed ducted heat pump systems.
NON DUCTED SPLIT SYSTEM HEAT PUMPSThis kind of system heats and cools air just like a ducted model, but it does not rely on ductwork to move warm or cool air through your home or business. Instead, the outdoor unit connects to one or more individual indoor air handlers, or “heads,” which are installed throughout your home or business. It’s a common, straight forward way to add a heat pump to a home or business or section of a home or business that doesn’t have ducts. Typically the air-handler heads are placed high on a wall, but for homeowners who don’t like the look or don’t have the space, there are heads that can be placed inside the ceiling or floor. Mini-splits are also more energy-efficient than ducted heat pumps because they avoid the energy losses sometimes associated with ductwork.
Flexible Comfort with Non-Ducted Split System Heat PumpsDiscover unparalleled versatility in home climate control with our non-ducted split system heat pumps. Perfect for spaces where traditional ductwork is not feasible, these innovative systems offer targeted heating and cooling solutions with minimal installation requirements. Consisting of two main components, an indoor unit for air handling and an outdoor unit for heat exchange, non-ducted split systems efficiently maintain your desired temperature without the need for extensive renovations. With easy installation and a range of designs to seamlessly blend into any interior, these systems provide precise control over individual rooms or specific zones, ensuring personalized comfort for your lifestyle. Experience the convenience of remote-controlled operation and energy-efficient performance, allowing you to create a comfortable environment while optimizing energy usage. Upgrade your home with our non-ducted split system heat pumps and enjoy customized, cost-effective climate control tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to enhance your living spaces with our advanced split system solutions.
CHOOSING THE PERFECT HEAT PUMP SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESSSelecting the ideal heat pump system for your home or business is crucial for ensuring year-round comfort and energy efficiency. At ACTION ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS, we understand the importance of making an informed decision. Our team are here to guide you through the process, considering key factors such as the size and layout of your space, insulation levels, climate conditions, and your specific heating and cooling needs. Whether you opt for a ducted heat pump system, non-ducted split system, or any other configuration, our team assesses your requirements meticulously. We prioritize energy-efficient models that not only provide optimum comfort but also save you money on utility bills. Additionally, we offer customized solutions, allowing you to tailor your system to fit your lifestyle or business operations seamlessly.
Furthermore, we are experts in Heat Pump Installation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish. With our professional advice, top-quality products, and expert installation, you can enjoy a climate control solution that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Trust us to help you choose and install the best heat pump system, transforming your space into a haven of comfort and energy savings. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us create a personalized solution tailored just for you.