Heat Pump Services in Sacramento 

Heat pumps are versatile HVAC systems that deliver reliable heating and cooling. Though they are called “heat” pumps, these systems also function as effective air conditioning in many residential homes. Heat pumps are installed outside of the home where they work to either transfer warm air inside or remove warm air from inside the home, depending on the season and your comfort preferences. 

At Big Mountain Heating & Air, we provide comprehensive heat pump services in Sacramento, including installation and repair. Our highly trained team can assess your home and determine if a heat pump is the right solution for your heating and cooling needs. If you already have a heat pump, and it isn’t working as well as it should—or at all—we can come out and conduct fast, reliable repairs. 

Continue reading to learn more about heat pumps, or call us now at (916) 301-4315 to schedule an appointment with our HVAC team.

What Is a Heat Pump? 

A heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system that transfers warm air to ensure optimal temperatures inside your home. When used in heating mode, a heat pump pulls warmth from the air outside and transfers it inside; when used in cooling mode, it does the opposite by taking warm air from inside and moving it outside. 

Notably, heat pumps do not generate heat. Unlike a furnace, which creates heat, heat pumps simply transfer heat by absorbing it and moving it to the desired area. In this way, heat pumps work much like traditional air conditioners when in cooling mode. 

Types of Heat Pumps 

There are two main types of heat pumps: 

• Air-Source Heat Pumps: An air-source heat pump works by transferring warm air from inside a home to outside the home and vice versa. These are the most common types of heat pumps used for residential heating and cooling, as they are relatively affordable to install.
• Ground-Source Heat Pumps: Ground-source heat pumps, also known as “geothermal systems,” transfer heat from the ground outside into your home and vice versa. Though they are more expensive to install, ground-source heat pumps are more efficient than air-source models.

Both air-source and ground-source heat pumps offer effective heating and cooling. Aside from how they work, the initial cost of installation is what sets these systems apart. However, both provide highly efficient heating and cooling with relatively low operation costs. 

Heat Pump Components

Heat pumps have several important components, each of which must be in proper working order. 

These components include the: 

• Indoor Unit: The indoor unit, or air handler, contains a fan and a coil. In cooling mode, the coil serves as the evaporator; in heating mode, it works as a condenser. The fan, meanwhile, pushes air across the coil and throughout the air ducts. 
• Outdoor Unit: The outdoor unit also contains both a fan and a coil. With the outdoor unit, the coil acts as a condenser in cooling mode and an evaporator in heating mode. The fan aids in the exchange of heat by moving air across the coil.

Heat pumps also contain refrigerant, which absorbs heat, a compressor, a reversing valve, and an expansion valve. These components work together to transfer heat and effectively heat or cool the air inside your home.

Heat Pump Benefits 

Heat pumps offer several benefits to homeowners. First, they provide effective heating and cooling with one system, rather than a separate air conditioner and furnace or heater. They are relatively affordable to install and maintain and offer reliable heating and cooling for up to 10-15 years.

Some of the main benefits of heat pumps include:

• Single-system heating and cooling 
• Greater energy efficiency than other HVAC systems
• Lower operation costs due to high energy efficiency
• Reduced carbon emissions 
• Lifespan of 10-15 years for most models
• Quiet operation 
• Improved indoor air quality 
• Minimal maintenance required 

However, it is important to note that heat pumps are not the right solution for every home. They rely on electricity, meaning your electrical bills could be higher with a heat pump. They are also somewhat more expensive to install than other heating and cooling systems and require fairly extensive pre-planning before installation. 

All that being said, it is important to weigh both the pros and cons of installing a heat pump. Our team can discuss your specific comfort preferences, budgetary concerns, efficiency needs, and other factors to help you determine if this is the right option for you.

Why is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?

If your heat pump is blowing cold air, there are a few possible reasons. The first thing to check is the thermostat. Make sure it's set on 'Auto' and not 'On'. It may also be that the battery of the thermostat has run out or there is an issue with installation. Another factor could be a clogged filter, which can cause overheating of the heat pump and should be changed or cleaned regularly. It's also worth checking if there is any breeze coming from the air ducts when you test the blower fan, as this could indicate whether it is broken. Additionally, there may be leaks or breaks in the ductwork that are causing warm air to escape and leaving you feeling cold. To ensure your heater works effectively, it's important to find out what could be causing cold air to blow before making any repairs. Regular maintenance checks and timely replacement of parts can help prevent future issues from arising.

How Big Mountain Heating & Air Can Help with Your Heat Pump Needs

We offer professional heat pump installation and repairs in Sacramento and all of the surrounding areas, including Auburn, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Rocklin, and beyond. Our HVAC experts can first help you determine if a heat pump might be the right solution for your heating and cooling needs. Then, we can get to work installing your new system. If necessary, we are available for complete heat pump repairs, including 24-hour emergency services. 

Our goal is to make sure that you are fully happy with the quality of our work and the level of service we provide. We offer free inspections and estimates and always provide a complete cost breakdown before we begin any work. When you make an appointment with Big Mountain Heating & Air, we will arrive on time with the tools needed to get the job done. We work efficiently to restore your home’s comfort as quickly as possible and always leave your property clean and undamaged.

For heat pump services in Sacramento, call Big Mountain Heating & Air at (916) 301-4315 or contact us online today.