How does a heat pump work?

The outdoor unit of a heat pump contains coils, filled with refrigerant, which absorb heat from the outside air. Even though the outdoor air temperature may be as low as 0° F, the refrigerant is much colder, which enables it to absorb heat. As it begins to work, the refrigerant evaporates, absorbing even greater quantities of heat. The heated refrigerant vapor passes through coils and then on to the compressor, where it is pressurized. This process increases the temperature of the refrigerant so that it is hotter than the inside air. The heated refrigerant travels to the indoor coil. As a fan blows air across the coils, the refrigerant condenses and releases heat, which is then circulated throughout the house. When the heat pump is set to its cooling mode, it uses the same process but in reverse. So, instead of extracting heat from the outdoors, the heat pump will remove heat and moisture from within your home and release it outside.

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