How Heat Pumps Work

How Heat Pumps Work and Their Benefits

Heat pumps are an efficient heating and cooling solution that use electricity to transfer heat between the inside and outside of a building. They can provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Read on to learn more about how different types of heat pumps work and why they are beneficial for homes and the environment.

A heat pump works similarly to an air conditioner by using a refrigerant to cool or heat a space. The main difference is that a heat pump has a reversing valve that allows it to provide both heating and cooling.
Here is the process for how a heat pump provides heating:
  • Outside air or geothermal heat is blown or pumped over the exterior heat exchange surface of the heat pump.
  • This ambient heat causes the refrigerant liquid in the heat pump to evaporate into a gas.
  • The gas is compressed, raising its temperature.
  • The hot gas is passed over an interior heat exchange surface, transferring its heat.
  • As the heat is transferred inside, the gas condenses back into a liquid.
  • The refrigeration cycle repeats, continuing to heat the interior space.

Energy efficient

Heat pumps can provide the same amount of heating using less electricity than conventional electric resistance heating. They move existing heat rather than generating it.

Cost effective

The increased efficiency leads to lower energy bills compared to other heating methods.

Heating and cooling in one system

Some heat pumps can provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter with a simple valve reversal.

Environmentally friendly

Heat pumps produce very low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel heating systems.

Easy to install

Heat pump systems don’t require extensive ductwork or site work to install.

Quiet operation

Newer heat pump systems operate very quietly compared to older units.

Zone heating

Heat pumps can be paired with zoning systems to efficiently heat only occupied areas of a home.

Eligible for incentives

There are government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to help subsidize the upfront costs of a heat pump system.

Increased home value

Benefit from peace of mind with a comprehensive 7-year warranty, covering both parts & labour. This industry leading warranty guarantees years of dependable & efficient heating.