Do heat pumps work in the winter? 

Yes!  Heat pumps can warm a home in even the most brutal winter climates.  Whereas heat pumps were originally used primarily for AC, they are today an ideal year-‘round solution.  Look for heat pumps with a cold-climate Energy Star certification. 

How can I maximize my heat pump’s energy efficiency?

Heat pumps’ energy efficiency is greatest when a home is well sealed—that means adequate insulation and tight-fitting doors and windows.  An energy assessment can determine whether your home is well sealed and provide recommendations for improvement.  Like heat pumps themselves, many home sealing projects also qualify for rebates from local utilities or government agencies. 

Where do heat pumps get heat? 

Heat pumps source heat from the ground, nearby water or, most commonly in residential use, the atmosphere.  Heat pumps extract heat from outdoor air during the winter and reverse the process in the summer.  Because heat pumps are transferring vs manufacturing heat (for example, by burning fossil fuels) they are eco-friendly. 

Why is temperature control by zone of the house important?

Three reasons:   

  • The ability to control climate in each area of the house includes the ability to turn off heating or cooling where it isn’t needed.  And that translates to energy savings. 
  • No more “hot” or “cold” zones that many homeowners face.  An all-climate lets you set the perfect temperature in every area of the house. 
  • End the thermostat wars!  Some like it hot…some not so much.  Zone controls let each member of the household control their room’s temperature.

Why is a heat pump called a heat pump? 

A heat pump earns its name from its fundamental function of pumping or transferring heat from one location to another. This versatile HVAC system can both heat and cool spaces by extracting heat from the air or ground outside and transferring it indoors during colder months, and vice versa during warmer periods. By efficiently moving heat energy rather than generating it directly, heat pumps offer a more energy-efficient heating and cooling solution compared to traditional HVAC systems, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial applications alike.

By choosing RYCOR HVAC, you can trust that you’ll receive top-notch products and exceptional service to keep your indoor environment comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.

What is the most frequent cause of malfunction with a mini-split system? 

The Mitsubishi Electric Mini-Split components are built to last.  So when a mini-split system fails, it is most often the result of poor installation.  A skilled and experienced RYCOR technician follows a meticulous process to ensure a proper vacuum in the refrigerant line, avoid burrs from imperfect metal cutting and more.  Any of these minor mistakes can result in malfunction in the months or years following the installation.
It’s nearly impossible for homeowners to catch these missteps or lapses while an installation is in progress.  The best way to avoid them is to use a certified contractor, specialized in the art of mini-split installations.
Only the best technicians get to wear the RYCOR shirt.  Their 5-star-rated service and unsurpassed experience will get the job done right, every time.

When does a heat pump switch to emergency heat? 

When the outdoor temperature plunges below a certain threshold, usually near or below the balance point where the heat pump’s efficiency decreases, the system may activate its auxiliary heat source as a backup to maintain indoor comfort. This auxiliary heat source could be electric resistance heating coils integrated into the indoor unit. It’s important to note that modern ductless heat pumps like the Mitsubishi Electric Mini-Splits are equipped with sophisticated controls that automatically manage this transition, ensuring efficient operation while keeping energy costs in check.

However, if you have concerns or notice unusual behavior, it’s advisable to reach out to RYCOR for professional assistance and peace of mind.

What is 2 stage heating with a heat pump? 

Two-stage heating with a heat pump refers to a system that offers two levels of heating output for efficient temperature control. In this setup, the heat pump operates at a lower capacity during milder weather conditions, providing steady and energy-efficient heating. However, when temperatures drop significantly, the system automatically switches to the higher stage, delivering more warmth to effectively combat the cold. This dual-stage approach ensures optimal comfort while minimizing energy consumption and operating costs, making it an ideal choice for maintaining consistent indoor temperatures throughout varying weather conditions.

When were heat pumps invented? 

Heat pumps have been around since the 1850s when Lord Kelvin conceptualized the idea. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s, amid the energy crisis, that they gained significant traction. Since then, advancements have made them key players in energy-efficient HVAC systems.

At RYCOR , we’re proud to be at the forefront of this innovative technology, providing our customers with cutting-edge heat pump and mini-split solutions tailored to their needs.

Do heat pumps dehumidify? 

While the primary function of a heat pump is to heat or cool your space, the Mitsubishi Electric Mini-Splits do offer limited dehumidification using “DRY” mode. It is important to note that when the heat pump is operating in Dry Mode, the unit is not heating so it is recommended to only use the Dry mode for shorter periods of time and when heating is not required.
Our team of HVAC experts can assess your specific needs and recommend tailored solutions to enhance moisture control and ventilation in your home or office space.