HOW DO HEAT PUMPS WORK?
An air-source heat pump uses advanced technology and the refrigeration cycle to regulate the room temperature, providing heating and cooling throughout the year, regardless of the season!

Heat Pump in Cooling Mode
During cooling mode, heat pumps effectively maintain cool and comfortable temperatures while also reducing humidity levels inside your home. Here’s how it works:
- A motorized fan draws warm air from inside your house into the ductwork.
- The compressor circulates refrigerant between the indoor evaporator and outdoor condensing units.
- As the warm indoor air reaches the air handler, the refrigerant is pumped from the exterior condenser coil to the interior evaporator coil. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air during this process.
- The cooled and dehumidified air is then distributed through connected indoor ducts to air vents across the home, effectively lowering the interior temperature.
- The refrigeration cycle repeats, ensuring a consistent method to keep your home cool.

Heat Pump in Heating Mode
Traditionally, heat pumps were primarily used in regions with milder winters. However, technological advancements have extended their applicability to areas experiencing prolonged periods of cold temperatures. Here’s how they operate:
- The heat pump transitions to heating mode by reversing the refrigeration cycle, with the outdoor coil functioning as the evaporator and the indoor coil as the condenser.
- The refrigerant flows through a sealed network of refrigeration lines between the outdoor and indoor units.
- Despite cold outdoor temperatures, the condenser coil absorbs sufficient heat energy from the outside air, which is then released indoors by the evaporator coil.
- A motorized fan draws air from inside your home into the ductwork.
- The refrigerant is then pumped from the indoor coil to the outdoor coil, where it absorbs heat from the air.
- The heated air is distributed through interconnected ducts to air vents throughout the home, raising the indoor temperature.
- The refrigeration cycle repeats, ensuring a consistent method to keep your home warm.

Components of a Heat Pump
A standard air-source heat pump system is typically a split or two-part system powered by electricity. It consists of an outdoor unit, resembling an air conditioner, and an indoor air handler. The heat pump collaborates with the air handler to distribute warm or cool air throughout interior spaces. Alongside the electrical components and a fan, a heat pump system comprises:
- Compressor: Responsible for moving the refrigerant throughout the system. Some heat pumps feature a scroll compressor, known for its quieter operation, longer lifespan, and ability to provide warmer air by 10° to 15°F during heating mode compared to piston compressors.
- Control Board: Manages the operation mode of the heat pump system, determining whether it should be in cooling, heating, or defrost mode.
- Coils: Consist of the condenser and evaporating coils, which either heat or cool the air based on the direction of refrigerant flow.
- Refrigerant: The substance circulating through the refrigeration lines in both the indoor and outdoor units.
- Reversing Valves: Alter the refrigerant flow direction, thereby dictating whether the interior space is cooled or heated.
- Thermostatic Expansion Valves: Regulate the refrigerant flow, similar to how a faucet valve controls water flow.
- Accumulator: A reservoir that adjusts the refrigerant charge according to seasonal requirements.
- Refrigeration Lines: Connect the indoor and outdoor equipment, facilitating refrigerant movement.
- Heat Strips: Electric heat elements used for auxiliary heating. These components supplement heat on colder days or expedite temperature recovery from lower setback temperatures.
- Ductwork: Functions as air tunnels, distributing conditioned air to different areas within the home.
- Thermostat or Control System: Sets the desired temperature for the heat pump system.