How Does A Heat Pump Work?

How Heat Pumps Work in Both the Winter and Summer

Here’s the simple truth about heat pumps, they’re basically air conditioners that can work in reverse. Pretty smart, right? Once you understand how they move heat instead of creating it, you’ll see why so many homeowners in the Inland Northwest area are switching to these energy-efficient systems.

How It Works in the Winter

A heat pump works a lot like your refrigerator. It uses a special refrigerant to absorb and transfer heat energy. Even when it feels cold outside, there’s still warmth in the air. The outdoor coil collects that heat, and the refrigerant carries it inside your home. Then, a compressor squeezes the refrigerant to raise its temperature. It's kind of like how a bike pump gets warm when you use it.

Inside, the heated refrigerant passes through another coil, releasing that warmth into your living space with the help of a fan. The result? Cozy comfort without burning fuel or producing open flames.

How It Works in the Summer

When summer arrives, the system simply reverses direction. Instead of bringing heat in, it pulls the heat out of your home and releases it outdoors. Just like a standard air conditioner. The refrigerant keeps cycling, efficiently moving heat wherever you need it.

Because heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, they use far less energy than traditional furnaces or baseboard heaters. That means lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. And it keeps your home comfortable year-round.

Heat Pump FAQs