What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system that moves heat rather than generates it. In winter, it extracts heat from outdoor air (even when it's cold) and brings it inside. In summer, it reverses direction, removing heat from your home like an air conditioner. Think of it as a reversible air conditioner that provides both heating and cooling.
Key Benefits of Heat Pumps
- 2-4x more efficient than traditional heating: For every 1 unit of electricity consumed, heat pumps move 2-4 units of heat (200-400% efficiency).
- Replaces both furnace and AC: One system handles heating and cooling, reducing equipment costs and maintenance.
- No combustion, no carbon monoxide risk: Heat pumps are all-electric, eliminating combustion hazards and indoor air quality concerns.
- Works in cold climates: Modern cold-climate heat pumps operate efficiently down to -13°F or lower.
- Reduces carbon footprint: When powered by clean electricity (solar, wind), heat pumps produce zero direct emissions.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps use the refrigeration cycle - the same technology in your refrigerator - to move heat from one place to another. Here's the process:
Heating Mode (Winter)
- 1Outdoor unit extracts heat: Refrigerant in the outdoor coil absorbs heat from outside air (yes, even at 20°F there's heat energy!).
- 2Compressor increases pressure: The compressor pumps the refrigerant, increasing its temperature significantly.
- 3Indoor unit releases heat: Hot refrigerant flows through indoor coils, releasing heat into your home via a fan.
- 4Cycle repeats: Cooled refrigerant returns to the outdoor unit to absorb more heat.
Cooling Mode (Summer)
In cooling mode, the process reverses. A reversing valve changes the refrigerant flow direction:
- 1Indoor unit absorbs heat: Refrigerant in indoor coils absorbs heat from your home.
- 2Compressor pumps refrigerant: Hot refrigerant is compressed and sent outdoors.
- 3Outdoor unit releases heat: Heat is dumped outside, and cooled refrigerant returns indoors.
This is exactly how traditional air conditioners work - heat pumps just add the ability to reverse the process for heating!
How Much Do Heat Pumps Cost?
Get Your Exact Heat Pump Cost & Savings
Calculate personalized estimates based on your home, climate, and current heating system
Use Heat Pump CalculatorHeat Pump Resources
Heat Pump Cost Calculator
Estimate installation cost and annual savings for your home
Heat Pump Sizing Calculator
Calculate the right BTU capacity and tonnage for your home
Heat Pump vs Furnace
Compare 15-year costs and savings for heat pump vs gas furnace
Types of Heat Pumps
Compare air-source, ground-source, and mini-split systems
Installation Guide
Step-by-step walkthrough of the heat pump installation process
Best Heat Pump Brands
Reviews and comparisons of top heat pump manufacturers
Want to compare heat pumps with other home upgrades?
Try our 22-upgrade calculator