A heat pump is a device that utilizes energy to transfer heat from one area to the next. They are generally used to remove heat out of the air or ground in order to heat a home or office building. Alternatively, they can be put into reverse in order to cool a building or home. Find out more.
How do heat pumps work?
Heat pumps transport warm air constantly from one place to another, depending on the season and how it is needed. The heat pump takes the heat from outside and transfers it to indoor air ducts within a building or home. They can work on their own or in conjunction with other indoor heating and cooling systems.
A reversal valve allows the heat pump to also cool the air. This versatile aspect of the system reverses the flow of refrigerant (or coolant) to enable the system to operate in the opposite direction. As a result, the heat pump releases the heat like an air conditioner does, rather than pumping it into your home or office. When this happens, the refrigerant is reversed and it absorbs the heat within a unit and moves it outside. The heat is released outdoors, and the refrigerant cools back down and flows inside to pick up more heat and continue the cycle.
Heat pumps do not perform at optimal level in all environments, as they are best for moderate climates. They can work adequately in colder places such as Montreal, though supplemental heating sources are needed when the temperature drops to an extreme level.
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