What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump uses electricity to transfer thermal energy from the air or ground to your home, cooling it in summer and warming it in winter. It’s the most efficient way to heat and cool a house, earning it the ENERGY STAR label. It can even help reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you use alternative energy to power it.

Most people think of Heat Pump as air conditioners, but they can also warm homes. They’re designed to work year-round, although they may run less efficiently during the coldest weather. They can be installed as a new HVAC system in a new construction home or as a retrofit in an existing home. They require an electrical heating element for backup, and they’re usually best paired with an electric furnace to make the most of the system.

Like an air conditioner, a heat pump has two main units: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit looks much like the compressor of a central AC system, with aluminum fins and coils to release or collect heat. The indoor unit has a fan that blows air over the coils to facilitate the exchange of thermal energy. The indoor unit connects to ductwork, and a blower circulates the warm or cool air around your home.

The efficiency of a heat pump is measured by its COP (coefficient of performance). The higher the COP, the more energy-efficient it is. This number is determined by dividing the total amount of electrical energy required to operate the heat pump by its output in watts. The calculation accounts for factors such as the operating temperatures of the two reservoirs, the length of the pipe runs and the level of maintenance.

A heat pump can be used in nearly any climate, although innovation continues to improve the system’s effectiveness in very cold climates. It still takes more energy to move heat from a very cold location than it does to transfer heat between locations with moderate temperature differences.

A heat pump is one of the best ways to lower your heating costs, but it’s important to be aware of its limitations. If your heat pump isn’t working properly, it’s a good idea to contact an HVAC professional. You should not attempt to service the unit yourself because it can be dangerous. A refrigerant leak could be toxic and it’s important to have a qualified technician examine your heat pump for any potential problems. The technician will also ensure the system is operating safely and correctly. A faulty heat pump can significantly increase your energy costs and impact the environment.