For areas that do not experience extreme climates, an energy-efficient way to meet modest heating and cooling demands is to use heat pumps. There are different types of heat pumps, including air-source heat pumps, ductless mini-split heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps. For residences, a new heat pump system is called absorption heat pump.

An absorption heat pump is basically an air-source heat pump that, instead of using electricity, runs on other heat sources like propane, natural gas, or water heated by renewable energy (solar or geothermal). Typically, absorption heat pumps are fueled by gas, which is why they are also called gas-fired types of heat pumps. The counterparts of these products are the absorption or gas-fired coolers, which operate on a similar concept, but cannot be used to generate heat.

How It Works

An absorption heat pump works by using water-ammonia absorption cycle to produce heating as well as cooling. Similar to a traditional heat pump, heat is released when the ammonia (refrigerant) condenses in a coil; then, the pressure reduces and the ammonia evaporates to absorb heat.

These types of heat pumps provide cooling by absorbing the heat from the inside of your home and provide heating when it emits heat to your home’s interior. Unlike standard heat pumps, the evaporated ammonia actually goes into water and it is then pumped up and heated until it is boiled out of the water. Then, the cycle repeats itself.

Innovations

An important part of the recent models out on the market is an innovative technology called GAX (generator absorber heat exchanger), which is able to recover the heat emitted when the water absorbs the ammonia, therefore, making the unit much more efficient. Other innovative features now available include low-emissions, variable flow rates of ammonia, and higher efficiency of vapor separation.

Ask a Heating Expert

Interested to know more about different types of heat pumps and which one will work best for you? Speak with a heating and cooling professional who can give you expert advice and can take care of proper installation should you decide to invest in a heat pump for your home. Call Seva Call now to be connected directly to service professionals in your area.