How a Heat Pump Works | This Old House

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4 жыл бұрын

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey instructs Kevin O’Connor on the basic principles of how a heat pump works.
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The heart of the heating and cooling system will be a heat pump. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey uses a mock up and props to show host Kevin O’Connor the mechanics of the latest state of the art heating and cooling system. Heat pumps have compressors, valves, and fans that regulate speed and opening so a system can evenly maintain itself and keep temperatures steady to the exact degree.
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How a Heat Pump Works
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Пікірлер: 803

@bryanc531 4 жыл бұрын

I have been in the hvac field for about 15 years and this is by far the best way that I have heard the refrigeration cycle explained. Richard you are awesome

@bplotts1 4 жыл бұрын

12 years for me and I couldn't agree more

@michaeljames3509 4 жыл бұрын

You're still an apprentice.

@Fkidd702 4 жыл бұрын

5 years and same hahs

@michaelheery6303 4 жыл бұрын

And complex formula wow

@paulriccio5333 3 жыл бұрын

I just got a heat pump and the genius of this makes me feel better about the money I spent. I ACTUALLY understand it.

@michaelm7874 4 жыл бұрын

I’m in HVAC field myself for ten years and this guy explains it better than I’ve ever heard it explained

@zacharywestover217 4 жыл бұрын

I just graduated USF with a degree in mechanical engineering. Should have watched this before my first Thermo class. Good stuff.

@CDinkle 4 жыл бұрын

Just getting into this material in my Thermo series for Mech E., and yeah, this video really brings it home in a way that's understandable.

@matgggg55 4 жыл бұрын

I’m a mechanical engineering student now and I’m taking thermodynamics this coming semester lol good thing I’m here lol

@warrenwiz5 3 жыл бұрын

There's a joke here about which college to attend, etc. But agree, these "basics" I feel like should be a preface into what textbooks show. In only a couple of minutes they give a very good explanation of how something works. There's also a comment regarding teachers and tuition, but it would quickly arrive at the Good Will Hunting summary of “...wast[ing] $150,000 on an education you coulda got for $1.50 in late fees at the public library.”

@ebo536 2 жыл бұрын

USF alumni represent GOO BULLS!

@JT-Works Жыл бұрын

Go Bulls!

@TheSpoonyluvin 4 жыл бұрын

Richard really has a talent for teaching. You can tell that he enjoys explaining it, and also understands the concept so well that he can easily dumb it down for the rest of us.

@nursecarmen Жыл бұрын

I have found that the people that aren't able to dumb down a subject, either don't know the subject, or are full of it.

@sceneryj Жыл бұрын

I’m studying 1st year engineering and you’ve just done a better job of explaining half of the thermodynamics I need to know this semester than the (very expensive) textbook. Thank you!

@starshipgus8578 Жыл бұрын

I’ve worked automotive air conditioning all my life,but this heat pump system was somewhat complicated….until now.Thanks to you Richard,all it takes is a switching valve and some electronics.Now I can even explain it to someone else.You get the credit of course.

@ndeleonn 6 ай бұрын

I taught thermodynamics at the college level for over 35 years. The molecular dynamics for the cooling and heating of gases on expansion and compression are well understood and easily explained in the classroom. However, to put these scientific principles together for the purpose of heat exchange from the outside to inside or inside to outside and make it work in real life is absolutely genius. Richard Trethewey's explanation is simple to understand and masterful. Well done!

@TheDataMaestro 4 жыл бұрын

I might have to watch this a dozen times before it sinks in.

@donchiva2222 4 жыл бұрын

I agree, the explanation wasn't very good. He talks too fast and skips too much by not giving context.

@jakefromstatefarm142 3 жыл бұрын

Which brings me to my next point dont do drugs

@AlecDinkleshit-yo5np 24 күн бұрын

@@donchiva2222he was making a joke cause it uses heat sink technology.

@bertblue9683 Жыл бұрын

A great explanation for anyone, especially for guys like me that grew up being told how awful heat pumps are. It's a hard reputation to overcome.

@RayR 4 жыл бұрын

The best explanation of a heat pump I've ever seen. Great job Richard. Your a great teacher.

@JesusJuenger 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy Richard's cutaway models, they really clearly explain plumbing parts that I would never understand otherwise!

@A_J502 Жыл бұрын

This Old House for the win! In all my years as an engineering student, this is THE BEST demonstration of heating, cooling, and basic gas law I’ve ever seen!

@SLCKaled Жыл бұрын

No fancy animations. Just pure old school wisdom!! LOVED THE EXPLANATION. Makes me realize how much real life examples like the canned air are so powerfully effective

@mulimotola44 4 жыл бұрын

I've been trying to understand this theory FOR YEARS! Finally a great explanation that anyone can understand! I love the examples that explain the compressor and the expansion valve with the can. Thank you so much! This is the best video on the subject by far!

@kwpowell0412 4 жыл бұрын

Great job Richard!! I just want to echo what a few other people have said. I have never been able to wrap my head around how a heat pump & Air conditioner work. And here in South Carolina....EVERYBODY has one. What made things so clear for me was not only did you break it down explaining it. You also had the visuals that everyone could see. Outstanding sir......you da man!

@EmilioPanighetti 3 жыл бұрын

Like listening to a good teacher, concisely and clearly explains thermodynamics with no-nonsense. Thank you

@bopal93 Жыл бұрын

I have seen many videos of how an air conditioner works, but this is the best explanation I have ever seen. Now it totally makes sense

@McRocket 4 жыл бұрын

8:08 - Kevin O'Connor said it PERFECTLY, IMO. WOW. Thank you This Old House's Richard Trethewey .

@fernandomingo2398 4 жыл бұрын

This video is pure gold. Never in my life HVAC has been so well explained. Thanks!

@bulkbur6312 4 жыл бұрын

king richard! being in the hvac field myself i can say that the future of comfort is exciting. i love seeing how you explain things. i want to be like you when i grow up 😀

@tinysand3517 4 жыл бұрын

love the fact that Richard always dissect his mock ups. Make it simple to understand. Great job

@tannernewton8543 3 жыл бұрын

Sometimes when i'm sad I come find this video for the 1000000th time, its that good

@vincentdemmink4544 Жыл бұрын

Well explained! Even though English is not my native language, I could completly understand it!! (power of good explaining)

@oldtwinsna8347 Жыл бұрын

Richard is a certified elite grandmaster of heat pump systems.

@garywright8846 4 жыл бұрын

Great video I’ve been in HVAC many years and this guys explains it all so well. Brilliant well done.

@TheresNoAntidote 2 жыл бұрын

This is something we take for granted daily. This process is insane! Human being invented this? Mind blowing

@ml9633 2 жыл бұрын

You are amazing. I'm 64 and never understood this process, because nobody could ever explain it to me so well. Thank you so much :) Maurice

@evakaral1647 3 жыл бұрын

Richard, thank you for explaining the operation so aptly; even I, a non-techi can understand it. Brilliant!

@davidreis6431 3 жыл бұрын

What a good explanation. Nothing like someone who knows what they are talking about, and able to communicate it for the average person. Thanks.

@talkingbeers 2 жыл бұрын

Such an astonishing coach! Simple crisp memorable - genius at work I love this show!

@nomadland99 Жыл бұрын

THE best explanation I have seen for any heat pump (AC, air source, geothermal). Well done!

@woodtool2882 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard, you're the best.

@neverbyluck 4 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing and simple explanation. For the first time this concept makes sense! Thanks very much!

@mikepurewal5816 3 жыл бұрын

Hi from Canada. This video and audio explanation of Heat Pump/AC was amazing. The concept was explained very well. Thanks to great mentors like him.👍

@sonklam2304 4 жыл бұрын

Man, I just finished the fundamentals of Thermodynamics course ( mechanical engineering major) but didn't really understand much about this until now. Wow, exceptional well explanations.

@GunnyPhillips Жыл бұрын

Those who intimately know their craft can impart it to others in easily understood terms. Great job and many thanks!

@lkw5699 Жыл бұрын

I love watching these explanations. Love this show. Richard and Tom are the best.

@andrewl8251 3 жыл бұрын

This explanation is simply priceless.

@mondavou9408 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to build that model, it made it very easy to understand. Well Done!

@AD-CAN Жыл бұрын

Man I love this channel. You save my life by explaining complex thing in human language. I am so grateful. THANK YOU!

@scotthowell1596 2 жыл бұрын

Finally, after a week of runaround and sophisticated jargon, I heard just what I needed. Thanks, and I believe I am now a "This Old House" super fan.

@alonzogonzalez3062 6 ай бұрын

This show must never go away!

@mohamedsheikh2502 4 жыл бұрын

You guys are great ,I always was confused as to how heat pump works and you guys made it so simple . Thanks

@ltcameron1 3 жыл бұрын

The best explanation I have ever seen. Really well explained. Thanks

@joshuasmith1215 3 жыл бұрын

That was probably an easier and better explanation than like anything I've been watching to learn about this stuff. I think I truly understand the fundamentals of these systems now.

@VictorQuesada-bl1xk 3 ай бұрын

That was fantastic. Thank you so much for that clarity!

@brokentinsel 4 жыл бұрын

That was simply beautiful. Many many thanks 🙏🙏🙏🙏

@Suhhdude101 4 жыл бұрын

I too work in field and this was a great explanation of how archaic yet brilliant these systems are, love your videos!

@appastewart Жыл бұрын

Awesome job explaining that!

@Jimmyjimjimjim 9 ай бұрын

Hands down one of the best explanations.

@brianscheuermann9862 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining that in a way that even I can understand! I knew the principal of it but not how it actually worked.

@MichaelSmith-nz8rz Жыл бұрын

I finally understand 😮. Thanks Richard

@kevinremsen5627 4 жыл бұрын

Great explanation. I was always curious if TOH would put out a more detailed video on the principle behind this technology. Getting one next year. Thanks for the videos! Keep them coming!

@efficientmewithsomto8020 2 жыл бұрын

You’ve got it perfectly explained, I love the the enthusiasm

@Bgkim1113 8 ай бұрын

thank you very much. you showed me a vaque understanding of heat pump of me made so clear. you are one of the best instructor who I ever have met.

@frankievassallo552 4 жыл бұрын

You guys always keep me updated on new products. Thank you 👍

@bb57365 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding explanation of a complicated subject.

@gregoryroscow5846 2 жыл бұрын

Best explanation I've come across of how a heat pump works. I like the way it begins with the basic question, "How do you get heat into your house when it's cold outside?"

@JJC1138 3 жыл бұрын

This is magnificently explained. Thank you so much!

@HrdRockFan Жыл бұрын

Best explanation I’ve heard… and not likely to forget again. Thanks!

@mikewalker344 6 ай бұрын

Finally an explanation of heat pump technology I can wrap my head around. Thank you!

@wisconsineaglesfan7925 6 ай бұрын

Best explanation on the subject that I've ever heard. Made it really easy to understand. Thank you!

@user-vg9dg4pu7o 8 ай бұрын

Thankyou for explaining this in such a understanding presentation .

@ZeollaPlumbing 5 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thanks for the explanation!

@neetones 4 жыл бұрын

Such an excellent teacher!

@aprilm9551 Жыл бұрын

What a fantastic explanation. Thorough and detailed, and I was able to understand everything. Not that I remember it all, but it certainly makes sense to me now. And, previously I was confused -- as are many people -- as to how a heat pump can cool, but now I see it is all just a matter of moving heat around, in one way it heats a space, and move it the other way and it cools.

@zahedalsawadi7084 Жыл бұрын

Most wonderful explanation. Thanks.

@CheloRoja 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that explanation in detail and also with a visual effect👍

@nicolasroberge2829 4 жыл бұрын

I installed a Carrier Infinity mini split heat pump last spring. It is amazingly comfortable for cooling AND heating. Amazing technology!

@rockinrobin322 2 жыл бұрын

What size house did you install this on

@nicolasroberge2829 2 жыл бұрын

@@rockinrobin322 I installed two separate 12000 BTU units on each apartment of a duplex. Each unit is 1500 square feet.

@aprilm9551 Жыл бұрын

Another question: What's the winter weather like where you installed this? How cold can it get, and does the system work all winter to heat? I'm in Iowa, zone 5b. Probably a heat pump would not work in the very coldest months, I'm thinking.

@nicolasroberge2829 Жыл бұрын

@@aprilm9551 Winter is harsh here. -30 in the dead of winter.

@aprilm9551 Жыл бұрын

@@nicolasroberge2829 Nicolas, thanks so much for the reply and info! It means a lot to have real world feedback about something, so not just having to rely on advertising or general stats. OK, -30 (Celsius, I'm assuming) is a bit colder than it ever gets here, so I just may be looking into getting a mini split heat pump and will check out the Carrier brand.

@mikefanelli545 Жыл бұрын

Excellent, Richard.

@erlanisy4481 Жыл бұрын

Awesome demonstration of how it works. Great and easy to think. Thank you.

@mcs5271 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome explanation! Thanks Richard.

@StarWarsCosplay 3 жыл бұрын

This is brilliant. I have never understood this until now.

@kszatmary 2 жыл бұрын

This is the best explanation for the layman. Other videos I've seen on this topic were too technical for my non-mechanically inclined brain. This video was perfect. Thanks.

@brandtdetering8486 2 жыл бұрын

That was so clearly explained. Thank you for demystifying.

@99andycat Жыл бұрын

Great explanation...First time I've got close to understanding how these things really work and are controlled.

@stevefiorito5379 4 жыл бұрын

This kind of system whether in a residential unit or a mobile vehicle (car) works off of the principle of "latent heat" where heat energy (not temperature) moves due to a change in the "state" of a substance. From a gas to a liquid (condensation) or from a liquid to a gas (evaporation).

@12345anton6789 4 жыл бұрын

Steve Fiorito just compare how long time it takes to bring 1 kg of water to the boiling point, and how long time it takes before all of that water becomes steam. Keeping the same effect kW on the cocker all the time. Then its easy to see that phase conversion is where most of the energy is

@DizzyDeeds66 2 жыл бұрын

He lost me in a couple of places but I was able to get the overall gist and this was really helpful. I'm in the process of trying to figure out how to bring an almost 100-year-old house that still has no air conditioning and an oil burner heat and hot water system into the 21st century. The consultants that I've had come to the house have suggested this type of system (natural gas is not available where I am to convert to and I'm trying to get off the fossil fuels anyway). This was all new to me and this video was really helpful in my understanding of how a system like that would work in the house. Thank you!

@treeskier58 Жыл бұрын

An old house, you would be better off spray foaming the place to seal up all leaks. The kicker with heat pumps in the winter is that they are still making heat with electricity by compressing the gas. The industry wide coefficient of performance (COP) usually given as 200 to 300% gives the general public the idea that they are getting free energy. Is this more efficient than resistance heating, yes a little. But a wood stove or a gas heater is more efficient in the overall scheme

@CMRHM 2 жыл бұрын

Sir, you guys have just made a best demonstration regarding refrigeration cycle, thank you!

@danman281 Жыл бұрын

Best explanation ever

@ronhamm Жыл бұрын

Great explanation of a complicated system.

@stolas666 Жыл бұрын

That's the most brilliant video on the internet! A paroxysm of masterclass !

@paularubina3778 2 жыл бұрын

I love this, thanks !!

@dharmawanindrathaher5989 Жыл бұрын

Wow. Just wow. You brought this mystery down to an easily understandable treat!

@derekj.hession4320 3 жыл бұрын

Best explanation I've seen. THANKS!

@cliffmathew 4 жыл бұрын

Richard is amazing.

@GHOOGLEMALE Жыл бұрын

What an excellent explanation Richard - First class demonstration. 👏👏

@johnmacward 2 жыл бұрын

There is not a better explanation on KZfaq for heat pumps than this one. That simple concept of ‘heat always goes to cold’ and that gases when compressed or decompressed can either get really hot (and in turn attract cold) or get really cold (and attract heat) was the little understanding piece I needed to put it all together.

@mth280268 4 жыл бұрын

Richard, superb yet again. Thank you

@waltervasquez1488 2 жыл бұрын

Best video ever about heat pumps.

@chris-vn6sw 2 жыл бұрын

Came across the video by chance. The guy explained it really well ! 👏👏

@shakejones 3 жыл бұрын

Richard you rock mate - brilliant! thank you for sharing guys!

@David-zd6ex Жыл бұрын

Best explanation, thank you

@WiperTF2 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! Finally learned how these systems work, something that has otherwise always been a mystery to me.

@arturomontalvo2963 2 жыл бұрын

Richard can get a job in any school as a instructor. He knows his stuff

@languagetruthandlogic3556 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant explanation Sir! I understood it! Thanks for posting.

@TheBoomtown4 6 ай бұрын

In all my years of teaching thermo heat value stochiometric binary engineering, this is by far the best carrot diaper tuna carburetor camera suspension banana! Thanks!

@AlexS0h 3 жыл бұрын

I first watched a video about heat pumps on The Engineering Mindset channel, then watched this one. What was said in the previous video made sense to me after watching this one. Thanks!