Most homeowners are aware that heat pumps and air conditioners use a refrigerant as a component of their cooling process, but people often ask does a heat pump use Freon in the winter? The answer is yes, your heat pump still uses Freon or another coolant in the winter. “Doc” Dancer Heating & Air explains how a heat pump works to heat your home and how Freon helps the heat pump get the job done.
What Is Freon?
Freon, also known as R-22 or HCFC-22, is a type of refrigerant used in heat pumps to transfer heat from one area to another. Freon is also used in air conditioners and refrigerators. This coolant is mostly found in older heat pump units, as Freon has been phased out per the Montreal Protocol due to its harmful effects on our ozone layer. Units manufactured starting January 1, 2010, Puron and other environmentally friendly options are the refrigerants of choice. A limited supply of Freon is still available for the servicing of older heat pumps and air conditioners.
How Does a Heat Pump Work in Winter?
A heat pump is a type of HVAC system that extracts heat from one area and transfers it to another. In the winter, heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the air outside and transferring it into your home. This process is reversed in the summer, allowing the heat pump to cool your home by drawing warm air from inside and releasing it outdoors.
In order to make this process work, your heat pump uses a refrigerant, like Freon, to absorb and transfer heat either in or out of your home. The refrigerant slows through a coil system between the indoor and outdoor units, which includes an evaporator coil and a condenser coil.
During the heating cycle, the compressor pumps the refrigerant flows from the outdoor coil to the indoor coil. As the refrigerant passes through the outdoor coil, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the outdoor air and transfers it into the indoor unit’s coil. Within the indoor coil, the Freon will release heat energy to indoor air circulating over the coil, which causes air temperature to increase.
Freon and other refrigerants transfer heat from one area to another by evaporating and condensing. It is a refrigerant, which means it evaporates at high temperatures and condenses at low temperatures. As the outdoor coil absorbs heat from the outdoor air, the Freon within increases in temperature to its boiling point, and converts to a low-temperature vapor. The compressor increases Freon’s temperature and pressure before the hot gas refrigerant moves into the indoor coil. As heat energy is released from the Freon in the indoor coil, the refrigerant drops in temperature, converting back to a liquid form.
My Heat Pump Is Leaking Refrigerant, What Should I Do?
Refrigerant is not like oil in your car. You don’t need to top off your refrigerant regularly. The refrigerant flows continuously throughout your heating and cooling system to absorb heat from indoors and outdoors. However, if you’ve noticed sudden issues with your heat pump being able to make your home comfortable, there’s a chance you’re experiencing refrigerant leaks.
Only certified heating and cooling technicians should handle refrigerants. If you notice a refrigerant leak coming from your heat pump call Doc Dancer in Fort Wayne right away. They will be able to check your heat pump’s refrigerant levels and repair the leak. This can restore the refrigerant flow to your heat pump and keep your home comfortable in every season.
Fort Wayne Heat Pump Services
Heat pumps are an important tool for keeping your home warm in the winter. By understanding how they work and monitoring your heat pump for leaks, you can be sure to get the most out of your heat pump and keep your family comfortable all season long. If you have any questions about heat pumps or need service, contact Doc Dancer today.