How a Heat Pump Heats and Cools a Home

A heat pump does not make winter heat by turning electricity directly into warmth at the indoor unit. It moves thermal energy. In summer, it collects heat from indoor air and releases it outdoors. In winter, a reversing valve changes the refrigerant path so the system can collect available heat outside and release it inside. General education only, not repair, installation, inspection, or code-compliance advice. Use qualified professionals and local requirements when action is needed. Sources and further reading: - U.S. Department of Energy, Heat Pump Systems: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-systems - U.S. Department of Energy, Air-Source Heat Pumps: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-source-heat-pumps