How Exactly Does a Heat Pump Work?

Going all in on electrification is a sure way to fight the climate crisis right from the comforts of your own home. Replacing the dirty, fossil fuel-powered appliances of the past with new electric versions can help you lower your carbon footprint and save you money in the process.

It’s a win-win!

But we know getting started can also be a bit overwhelming.

We’re here to help. Have you considered the benefits of transitioning your home heating and cooling to a heat pump system?

What is a Heat Pump?

At its most basic, a home heat pump is a device that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another.

It can be used to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer.

Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems, and come in a variety of sizes and types, so you’re sure to find one that is right for your home.

There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps use the air outside your home as the heat source in the winter and the heat sink in the summer. Ground-source heat pumps use the ground as the heat source in the winter and the heat sink in the summer.

Ground-source heat pumps are more efficient than air-source heat pumps, but they are also often more expensive to install as a result.

How Does it Work?

A home heat pump works by using a refrigerant to transfer heat from one place to another. The refrigerant is a special type of fluid that can change from a liquid to a gas and back again.

When the refrigerant is in a liquid state, it absorbs heat from the air inside your home. This heat then causes the refrigerant to vaporize. The vaporized refrigerant is then compressed, which raises its temperature. The hot, compressed refrigerant is then sent to an outdoor unit, where it releases its heat to the outside air. The refrigerant then cools down and condenses back into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant is then pumped back to the indoor unit, where the cycle starts all over again.

This process is reversed in the winter, when the heat pump uses the heat from the outside air to warm your home.

Heat pumps are very efficient because they don't actually create heat. They simply move it from one place to another. This makes them a much more energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home than traditional heating and cooling systems, such as fossil fuel-powered furnaces and air conditioners which lose energy as heat.

This means that they use less energy to achieve the same level of comfort.

Is a Heat Pump Right for Me?

If you are considering installing a heat pump in your home, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, you need to make sure that your home is properly insulated with secure, well-sealed windows. This will help to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, regardless of what heating or cooling system you use.

Second, you need to make sure that you get the right size heat pump for your home. A heat pump that is too small will not be able to keep your home comfortable, and a heat pump that is too large will be more expensive to operate.

Heat pumps are a great way to save energy and money on your home heating and cooling bills. They can save you as much as 50% on your home heating compared to electric resistance heating systems, and are more environmentally friendly than traditional heating and cooling systems, which oftentimes rely on fossil fuels to operate.

Heat pumps can also increase the value of your home. A 2020 study found that homes with heat pumps installed saw an average bump in property value of over $10,000 in nearly half of US states.

Of course, if you are considering installing a heat pump in your home, be sure to consult with a qualified HVAC contractor to determine which type of heat pump is right for you and your home.

Pledge to Electrify your Home

If you are looking for a way to save energy, money, and improve the comfort of your home, a heat pump is a great option.

They are an important step in whole-home electrification.

If you’re ready to make the leap to electrifying your life, do it with us. Simply pledge to take the first step and we'll support you on your journey.

We'll provide you with resources and advice to help you achieve your electrification goals and make smart decisions for your family and your home.

This is our moment to build a better tomorrow, powered by clean energy. Let's do it together – take the pledge today.