What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is an HVAC system designed to transfer heat from one location to another, allowing for both heating and cooling. It operates by moving heat in the opposite direction of natural heat flow, which makes it versatile. In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the outside air (or ground) and moves it indoors to heat the space. In the summer, the process is reversed, where it extracts heat from the interior and releases it outside, thereby cooling the indoor environment.

This dual functionality distinguishes heat pumps from other HVAC systems, particularly those that solely provide heating or cooling, like a standard furnace or a cooling-only air conditioning unit. Understanding this functionality is crucial for recognizing the potential energy efficiency and flexibility that heat pumps offer in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.