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Air conditioners and refrigerators have become an essential commodity in today's technology-dependent world. These devices have changed the way we live, by adding several conveniences to our day-to-day life. At the heart of these cooling devices is a heat pump.
A heat pump is a device that moves heat energy from one place to another and from a lower to a higher temperature. While cooling, heat is removed from the contents or source, and discharged in another location. On the other hand, while heating, heat is transferred from various sources to the point where needed.
The use of heat pumps is widespread. Their efficiency in moving heat from one place to another makes them a popular choice in several appliances. Heat pumps use very little energy to move any available energy as heat from one point to another. This means that the efficiency of a heat pump is up to 300% of the electric energy used.
Most heat pump systems are comprised of three main parts. A heat source is the first prerequisite in order for the pump to function. The heat source can be the ambient air, water, soil or an electric source. A circuit of working fluid is required within the heat pump along with a distribution system to deliver the heat energy to the required place. Energy is transferred from the heat source to the circuit of working fluid within the pump. The distribution system then absorbs the heat and delivers it to the required source.
Most heat pumps come with a reversible valve so one can switch between the heating and cooling mode. These devices can draw energy from several sources, making them a viable option for several devices. Heat pumps have numerous advantages. They are not only energy efficient but also environment friendly. The running cost of a heat pump is much lower than other heating devices such as a gas boiler. Although, one might find the initial cost a bit steep, the investment will be worthwhile in the long run.